“If it is not possible, arrangements may be made to engage lawyers to take up the matter in Sri Lankan courts for an early release of the boats. The legal expenses will be borne by Tamil Nadu government,” the Fisheries Secretary S Vijayakumar said in his communication to Sinha on Monday.

This step is in consonance with the procedure indicated in the letter of the Counsellor (Cons), High Commission of India, Colombo, dated February 5.

He had said the boat owners were required to engage lawyers to file a motion in the respective courts for advancing the dates of hearing of the cases and requesting release of the boats. The Fisheries Secretary said the Tamil Nadu government would depute the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Rameswaram, and an Inspector of Fisheries with the power of attorney from the boat owners to follow up on the issue in Sri Lankan courts to have the boats released.

(newindianexpress.com)