In a notable legal victory for Indian seafarers, the Bombay High Court has granted interim relief by staying the implementation of the Directorate General of Shipping’s Circular No. 31 of 2025. This decision is a significant triumph for the Global Seafarers Union of India (GSUI), which initiated the challenge on behalf of thousands of affected professionals in the maritime sector.
The court’s ruling, triggered by a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) from GSUI member Gaurav Porwal, effectively halts the controversial circular that many criticized for discriminating against Indian officers holding foreign Certificates of Competency (CoCs) from Flags of Convenience (FOC) nations like Panama, Liberia, Belize, and Honduras. The PIL contended that Circular 31 infringed upon constitutional rights and threatened the livelihoods of over 25,000 Indian seafarers. Porwal expressed that the judgment represents not just legal relief but a restoration of dignity to their profession.
The GSUI has been relentless in its campaign against the circular, having organized protests and engaged with Parliamentarians to gather legal and public support. They condemned the circular as a “unilateral bureaucratic move” that could endanger India’s maritime environment. Balaram Patil, GSUI’s founder and president, noted that the verdict signifies that policy should not overshadow the needs of the people, stating, “We fought not just for certificates, but for the very future of Indian seafarers.”
Key concerns raised by GSUI included:
– Violation of constitutional rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21.
– Potential widespread unemployment for Indian seafarers with recognized CoCs.
– Threats to the viability of RPSL companies, maritime training institutes, and related services.
– An increased risk of foreign crew replacements from nations with lower wage standards.
– Potential detrimental effects on India’s foreign exchange earnings from maritime remittances.
In light of the stay order, GSUI has put forth a detailed representation to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), advocating for:
– The full withdrawal of Circular 31.
– The establishment of a Joint Review Committee inclusive of union representatives.
– Official recognition of CoCs from IMO-compliant countries with structured oversight.
– Mandatory stakeholder consultations before issuing future circulars.
– An inquiry into the administration behind the circular’s formulation.
The GSUI also plans to honor Gaurav Porwal at an upcoming national convention for his critical role in the legal battle, celebrating his contributions alongside maritime workers, union leaders, and industry stakeholders.
In conclusion, while the court’s stay offers essential relief, GSUI has emphasized that their struggle is ongoing. The union is committed to advocating for systemic reforms to protect the rights and futures of Indian maritime professionals, continuing their efforts to ensure fair and just working conditions in the maritime sector.
