India Supreme Court seeks hostage action

Lack of success in negotiations prompts court to step in.

Government faces Supreme Court ire over Indians held captive by Somali pirates

Concerned at the external affairs ministry’s failure to secure the release of seven Indian seamen held captive by Somali pirates since 2010, the Supreme Court has questioned on why there is no arrangement with that country to handle such incidents. Many Indian vessels are avoiding sea routes through Somali waters since incidents of piracy increased off the country’s coast.

“Why isn’t there a protocol so far? Your own affidavit states that Somali pirates are a threat and many seafarers have suffered at their hands,” a bench headed by Justice T.S. Thakur asked the lawyer representing the MEA. The bench was not ready to buy the MEA’s argument that “it is a tough task”.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: indiatoday.intoday.in