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The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice in an application seeking an interim stay on the Tamil Nadu Government order banning fishing via purse seine nets in toto.

A bench of Justice AS Bopanna and Justice Vikram Nath issued notice to the Tamil Nadu Government.

The bench was hearing an application filed in a plea challenging the Madras High Court order dismissing the Public Interest Litigation filed by Fisherman Association against the Tamil Nadu Government order banning fishing via purse seine nets in toto.

The counsel appearing for the applicant informed the bench that around 15 lakh fishermen are affected by the order. It was argued that the ban on using purse-seine fishing must leave for not only 15 lakhs people's livelihood but also for Blue Economy.

The application filed through Advocate Narender Kumar Verma stated, "Every year in Tamil Nadu, the fishing ban is implemented from April 15 to June 15. The two-month ban on mechanized fishing helps the breeding of fish schools and helps them recover from mechanized fishing. The annual 61-day fishing ban to facilitate fish breeding."

In this regard, the application had sought the direction of the court to declare the impugned order unconstitutional.

The bench has asked the counsel to serve a copy of the IA to the State Government and has listed the matter after the service is complete.

It may also be noted, that another pending petition before the Supreme Court has sought similar directions. The plea by the Fisherman Care Association hailing from the coastal villages of Tamil Nadu through Advocate MP Pathibaran stated that they are dependent on fishing for their livelihood and they use traditional boats rather than mechanized boats for that purpose.

The plea further submitted the report of the Technical Committee which had stated that "considering the quantum of investment in purse seines and the lack of alternate gears to catch small pelagics, a total ban on purse seine may not be economically advisable. Added to this, the two gears are relatively energy efficient, and leave a low carbon footprint."

Case Title: GNANASEKAR & ORS VERSUS UNION OF INDIA& ORS