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3 September 2026

Supreme Court directive on Tamil Nadu fishing regulation

The Supreme Court directive provides a clear case study on cooperative federalism and the jurisdictional balance between state and central authorities regarding the regulation of marine resources.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Supreme Court directed Tamil Nadu to frame rules for a 'specified channel' or navigation corridor for fishing vessels.
  • The corridor facilitates transit from territorial waters to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for vessels using purse seine nets.
  • Tamil Nadu banned purse seine fishing within its territorial waters in 2000 due to regulatory concerns.
  • Fishermen argued that the state's 2020 Rules were being used to block access to the EEZ, which lies beyond 12 nautical miles.
  • The legal framework governing the issue includes the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Rules, 2020, and the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Rules, 2025.
  • The Supreme Court ruled that there is no conflict between the state's 2020 Rules and the Union's 2025 EEZ Rules.
  • The EEZ Rules, 2025, provide for the issuance of an 'access pass' to vessels permitted to fish in the EEZ.
  • The court emphasized the principle of cooperative federalism in regulating fishing activities between the Centre and the State.

Questions

  1. Examine the role of the judiciary in resolving jurisdictional conflicts between State and Central regulations concerning maritime resources. Discuss with reference to the recent Supreme Court directive on purse seine fishing. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
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  2. Cooperative federalism is essential for the effective management of natural resources that span across territorial and extra-territorial waters. In light of the recent Supreme Court judgment on fishing regulations, analyze how the harmonisation of state and central laws can balance ecological concerns with the livelihood rights of fishing communities. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
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Prelims

  1. Which of the following best describes the 'Exclusive Economic Zone' (EEZ) in the context of maritime law?