CHERN TAONG SHANG & ANR., ETC., ETC. vs COMMANDER S.D.BAIJAL & ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's conviction of the masters of two trawlers under Section 5(6) of the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981, for illegal fishing in India's exclusive economic zone. The Court affirmed the High Court's decision to convict the Charterer Company and its Managing Director under Section 7 of the M.Z.I. Act and ordered the confiscation of the trawlers under Section 13. The Court clarified that the violations of the M.Z.I. Act and Rules warranted penalties and upheld the fines imposed on the masters.