BOARD OF TRUSTEES BOMBAY PORT vs M/S. SRIYANESH KNITTERS

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether the Board of Trustees of the Port Trust, under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963, has a general lien over future consignments for dues related to past imports. The Court held that the lien claimed under Section 171 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, is valid, allowing the Port Trust to withhold goods until outstanding charges are paid. The Court dismissed the writ petitions challenging the circular as ultra vires, affirming the legality of the lien exercised by the Port Trust.