The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered status quo on the dismantling of the Navy’s decommissioned aircraft carrier, INS Viraat.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde issued notice to the Union of India and Shree Ram Group of Industries, who were arraigned as respondents in the special leave petition filed by Envitech Marine Consultants Private Limited, Vishnukant Sharma and Rupali Vishnukant Sharma.
“In the meantime, parties are directed to maintain status quo with regard to dismantling/breaking of the subject-ship known as INS Viraat, as on date,” the Supreme Court ordered.
Envitech had earlier approached the Bombay High Court with a request to buy the decommissioned Viraat so that it could be converted into a maritime museum and a multi-functional adventure centre. The High Court had asked the government to take an appropriate call.
The warship is currently awaiting dismantling at the ship scrapping yard at Alang in Gujarat.
“The hull is still intact,” Ms. Rupali Sharma, appearing in person, submitted before the Bench.
The petitioners have argued that Viraat, which was the oldest serving warship at the time of its decommissioning, should not be sold as scrap.
In the High Court, the Centre had reportedly said that the 67-year-old ship, which had served the Navy for about three decades, was sold to the Gujarat-based Shree Ram Group, a ship-breaking firm, which won the bid. It had said that communications to various States for proposals on the ship were unanswered. The government, it was reported, had suggested in the High Court that the petitioners could approach the Shree Ram Group with a proposal to purchase the ship.
