The Supreme Court has called for steps to prevent repeated arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities, suggesting that fishermen in Tamil Nadu should be sensitised about the international maritime boundary. The observation came during the hearing of petitions challenging the alleged unconstitutional ceding of Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka under the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement. The court's remarks came amid concerns over repeated incidents in which Tamil Nadu fishermen are detained by the Sri Lankan Navy after allegedly crossing into Sri Lankan territorial waters while fishing.

Attorney General R Venkataramani drew the court's attention to the recurring arrests while arguments were being made about the condition of Indian coastal waters and declining fish availability. He told the court that some fishermen were venturing into Sri Lankan waters because fish stocks had declined closer to the Indian coast. He also referred to concerns over pollution and overfishing in Indian waters. According to the Attorney General, fishermen are repeatedly advised not to enter Sri Lankan territorial waters, but some continue to cross the maritime boundary in search of better fishing grounds.

Justice Sanjay Kumar said measures were necessary to reduce the possibility of such arrests and suggested that fishermen should be clearly informed about the limits they must not cross. The bench indicated that greater awareness of the maritime boundary could help prevent fishermen from inadvertently or deliberately entering Sri Lankan waters. The issue has remained a recurring concern for Tamil Nadu, where fishermen have faced detention by Sri Lankan authorities over alleged violations of the maritime boundary while fishing in waters near the two countries.

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The court also discussed the condition of coastal waters and the possible connection between declining fish availability and fishermen travelling farther from the Indian coast. During the hearing, the bench observed that Indian waters had faced problems linked to overfishing and pollution. Justice Kumar also referred to his experience in Sri Lanka and contrasted what he described as stronger civic responsibility there with the situation in India. The remarks suggested that the condition of coastal waters and fisheries could be contributing to the movement of fish towards Sri Lankan waters, increasing the pressure on Indian fishermen to cross the maritime boundary.

The Attorney General told the court that India maintains an excellent relationship with Sri Lanka and does not want the dispute surrounding the maritime agreement to damage bilateral ties. He said diplomatic efforts were being pursued to address the issue. The Katchatheevu dispute has remained politically and legally significant, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where concerns over fishermen's access to traditional fishing grounds and their detention by Sri Lankan authorities have continued. The court's latest observations therefore focused not only on the broader legal challenge concerning the island but also on preventing recurring incidents involving fishermen.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter again in February 2027. Until then, the court's suggestion to sensitise fishermen highlights the importance of preventing crossings into Sri Lankan territorial waters while the larger legal and diplomatic issues remain under consideration. The Centre and Tamil Nadu government are expected to take steps to improve awareness among fishermen about the maritime boundary, while diplomatic engagement between India and Sri Lanka continues to address the wider dispute and the concerns arising from repeated arrests.

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