Consider providing subisidy for transponders, govt told

The division bench comprising Justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad heard a PIL moved by Fishermen Care seeking a direction to refer the human right violations committed by the Sri Lankan Navy against Indian fisherman to the International Court of Justice. 

With transponders costing at least Rs 40,000 it would be impossible for a fisherman to make such a huge investment, the bench said. 

Transponders enables a two-way communication between the fishermen and those at land.

Considering this, the government should come forward to offer a subsidy for the fishermen belonging to Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam and Kanniyakumari districts, the bench felt. 

Earlier, a ISRO scientist who was present at the court’s behest, said a pilot project of fixing transponders in 500 fishing boats in Tamil Nadu and 500 in Gujarat is being implemented. 

Noting that 300 such boats in TN have already been provided with the facility and that the remaining would be completed by November, he said all out efforts are on to enhance the web access features so that the fishermen can identify the potential fishing zone and receive adequate warning during cyclones or any impending danger, besides alerts when crossing the maritime boundary. But, the major problem is that the fishermen switch off the transponders resulting in them getting cut off from any kind of communication or warning, he added.

However, counsel R Maurya appearing for the petitioner contended that the attack by the Sri Lankan Navy usually happens within the Indian maritime boundary and that has been causing severe hardship. 

But the bench, on directing ISRO scientist to file an affidavit based on the oral submission made, posted the case for further hearing on October 12.