Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 13 July 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Petitioners – M.T. ENRICA LEXIE & ANR.; Respondents – DORAMMA & ORS.
- Background: The original Civil Appeal No.4167/2012 (order dated 02 May 2012) required the applicants to furnish undertakings from six crew members and a bond of Rs 3 crore to secure the vessel’s production on demand. The order also included assurances from the Republic of Italy regarding four Marines.
- Subsequent Developments: On 15 June 2021, the Supreme Court quashed FIR No.2/2012 (re‑registered as RC No.04/2013/NIA/DLI dated 4 April 2013) and discharged related bail‑bonds. The Court directed that Rs 10 crore lying with the Registry be transferred to the Kerala High Court – Rs 4 crore each to the heirs of the four deceased and Rs 2 crore to the boat owner (St. Antony).
- Bond & Undertaking Custody: A letter dated 27 December 2024 from the Registrar General, Kerala High Court, confirmed that the undertakings of Captain Vitelli Umberto, Managing Director Mr. Farokh H. Commissariat, Managing Director Mr. Schiano Lomoriello Pio, and the Rs 3,00,00,000 bond were in the Registrar’s safe custody.
- Financial Instruments: A demand draft for Rs 3,00,00,000 drawn on Standard Chartered Bank on 05 May 2012 was returned to Advocate Bijish B. Tom on 09 May 2012. Following an order dated 12 July 2013 in the same civil appeal, the corresponding fixed‑deposit receipt was released to the second appellant, Dolphin Tanker SRL, represented by Mr. Jacob John, Manager, James Mackintosh & Co. Pvt. Ltd.
Final Outcome
- The Supreme Court modified the 02 May 2012 order, discharging the applicants from the previously given undertakings.
- The Court’s order effectively releases/returns the Rs 3 crore bond held by the Kerala High Court Registrar.
- No further pending applications remain; they stand disposed of.
Topics: Court Order, Maritime Dispute