High Court halts DG Shipping Circular: Major win for GSUI and Indian Seafarers

MUMBAI : In a decisive legal development, the Bombay High Court has granted interim relief to Indian Seafarers by staying the implementation of Directorate General of Shipping’s Circular No. 31 of 2025. The ruling marks a significant victory for the Global Seafarers Union of India (GSUI), which spearheaded the legal challenge on behalf of thousands of affected maritime professionals.

Court Sides with Seafarers

The court’s directive, issued in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by GSUI member Mr. Gaurav Porwal, effectively pauses the enforcement of the circular—widely criticized for its perceived bias against Indian officers holding foreign Certificates of Competency (CoCs) issued by Flags of Convenience (FOC) nations such as Panama, Liberia, Belize, and Honduras.

Backed by GSUI Founder and President, Former MLC Mr. Balaram Patil, the PIL argued that Circular 31 infringed upon constitutional rights and jeopardized the livelihoods of over 25,000 Indian seafarers.

“This judgment goes beyond legal relief—it restores dignity to our profession,” said Porwal, reacting shortly after the verdict.

Union’s Unrelenting Campaign Pays Off

GSUI was the first to raise the red flag against the policy—organizing peaceful protests, rallying Parliamentarians, and mobilizing legal and public support. The union criticized the circular as an “unilateral bureaucratic move” that could destabilize India’s maritime ecosystem.

“Today’s verdict proves that policy cannot override people,” said Mr. Balaram Patil. “We fought not just for certificates, but for the very future of Indian seafarers.”

Key Concerns Raised by GSUI

The union had strongly contested that Circular 31:

• Violated Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.
• Threatened large-scale unemployment among Indian seafarers sailing under white-listed CoCs.
• Risked the survival of RPSL companies, maritime training institutes, and allied services.
• Opened the door for foreign crew replacements from lower-wage countries.
• Undermined India’s foreign exchange earnings from maritime remittances.

Next Steps: Demands for Policy Reform

While welcoming the stay order, GSUI has submitted a detailed representation to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), calling for:

• Full withdrawal of Circular 31.
• A Joint Review Committee with union participation.
• Recognition of CoCs issued by IMO-compliant member states with structured oversight.
• Mandatory stakeholder consultations for future circulars.
• Disciplinary inquiry into the administrative process behind the circular’s issuance.

GSUI to Honour Legal Champion

Recognizing the pivotal role played by Mr. Gaurav Porwal in the legal battle, GSUI will formally felicitate him at its upcoming national convention. The event will be attended by maritime workers, union leaders, and industry representatives from across India.

Conclusion

While the court’s stay provides critical relief, GSUI has made it clear that the fight is far from over. The union has vowed to continue pressing for systemic reforms to safeguard the rights and futures of Indian maritime professionals.