India’s Supreme Court Directs Fishermen Not to Enter the Sea of Sri Lanka Near Katchatheevu

COLOMBO (News 1st) - India’s Supreme Court has directed Indian fishermen not to cross into the Sea of Sri Lanka near Katchatheevu while fishing.

The directive was issued by a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjiv Sachdeva while hearing petitions filed by the AIADMK and DMK Fishermen’s Wing seeking the return of Katchatheevu to India.

The court stressed the need to create greater awareness among Tamil Nadu fishermen about maritime boundaries.

Meanwhile, the Indian Union Government told the court that it has no plans to reopen the Katchatheevu agreement with Sri Lanka, citing the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The government also said Indian fishermen who cross into Sri Lankan waters could face arrest by Sri Lankan authorities.

The court directed the Union Government to take necessary measures to protect the welfare of Indian fishermen while ensuring that maritime boundaries are respected.