Published : April 14, 2021 12:56 IST
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INS Viraat approaching the Alang ship breaking yard in Gujarat, on September 28, 2020. Photo: SHEKHAR THAKKAR/AP
It could arguably sound the death knell for the efforts to save India’s longest-serving warship, the iconic but decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Viraat. The Supreme Court on April 12 refused to intervene on behalf of a private firm which was looking to restore the vessel and turn the Centaur-class behemoth that sailed with the Indian Navy for 29 long years into a national maritime museum and adventure centre. The project was to be undertaken in collaboration with the government of Goa.
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Demolition already underway, court tells firm wanting to convert aircraft carrier into museum
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INS Viraat was in service with the Indian Navy for nearly three decades. File
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Demolition already underway, court tells firm wanting to convert aircraft carrier into museum
INS Viraat, the Navy’s decomissioned aircraft carrier, has become the “private property” of a ship-breaker who has already torn down 40% of its body, chiefly for scrap, the Supreme Court told a private company, that wants to turn the vessel into a maritime museum-cum-adventure centre.
On February 10, the court had ordered a stay on the process of dismantling the ship at an Alang yard in Gujarat.
Apex Court halts dismantling of INS Viraat
February 10, 2021
INS Viraat awaiting dismantling at a scrapping yard at Alang - -×
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered
status quo on the dismantling of the Navy’s decommissioned aircraft-carrier, INS Viraat.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Sharad A Bobde issued notice to the Union of India and Shree Ram Group of Industries, arraigned as respondents in the special leave petition filed by Envitech Marine Consultants Private Limited, Vishnukant Sharma and Rupali Vishnukant Sharma.
“Parties are directed to maintain
status quo with regard to dismantling/breaking of the subject-ship known as INS Viraat, as on date,” the Supreme Court ordered. Envitech had earlier approached the Bombay High Court with a request to buy the decommissioned Viraat so that it could be converted into a maritime museum and a multi-functional adventure centre. The High Court had asked the government to take acall. The warship is currently awaiting dis