KOCHI: In a major setback to the efforts by Italian authorities, the Kerala High Court on Friday directed the deputy conservator of the Cochin Port not to issue clearance for moving the vessel out of the port till 5 pm on Monday. A Division Bench comprising Justice V Ramkumar and Justice K Harilal passed the order while considering a petition filed by Doramma, wife of Jelestine alias Valentine, who was shot dead by Italian marines, challenging the Single Judge’s order.The Single Judge had earlier directed the Italian vessel to furnish a bank guarantee of Rs 25 lakh against the admiralty claim of Rs 1 crore.“The brutal murder should not have been equated with a mere accident compensation case,” the petitioner said adding that the bank guarantee is very meagre.“Jelestine died due to the negligence of the ship staff. They violated international conventions. Therefore, the owners of vessel are liable to provide maximum compensation,” she said.The petitioner submitted that the fishermen’s killing has deeper ramifications, as it affects the livelihood of their families.“The arrogance by the master of the ship was unforgivable,” she said.A maritime claim has to be considered in international perspective based on UN conventions, the petitioner said.
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