Maritime News, Mumbai, India: In a landmark judgment, the Bombay High Court delivered a major victory to the Global Seafarers Union of India (GSUI), effectively pausing the impact of DG Shipping’s controversial Circular No. 31 of 2025. The circular had sparked nationwide outrage among Indian seafarers, but GSUI’s tireless legal and grassroots efforts have ensured justice—for now.
GSUI’s PIL Secures Immediate Relief
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed by GSUI member Gaurav Porwal under the guidance of GSUI Founder & President, Former MLC Balaram Patil, challenged the legality and fairness of the circular. The court’s judgment has offered immediate relief:
- No ban on Indian seafarers flying with FOC (Flags of Convenience) CoCs.
- All Indian seafarers currently sailing with such certificates can continue their contracts without disruption.
“This verdict isn’t just legal relief—it’s a validation of every Indian seafarer’s hard work, skill, and dignity. We stood our ground, and the law stood with us,” said Gaurav Porwal, moments after the judgment.
GSUI: From Protests to the Courtroom—and Beyond
GSUI was the first maritime organization to organize protests, file a PIL, and engage Parliamentarians, drawing national attention to what it called a “bureaucratic attack on the maritime workforce.”
Balaram Patil, a seasoned maritime advocate and Former MLC, added:
“GSUI is committed to the welfare of seafarers. Today’s judgment reinforces our stand that no policy can be passed unilaterally at the cost of Indian livelihoods. We will continue to push for the complete revocation of Circular 31.”
What’s at Stake: GSUI’s Position
According to GSUI, the now-disputed circular had:
- Violated constitutional rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21.
- Risked unemployment for over 25,000 active Indian seafarers holding CoCs from Panama, Honduras, Liberia, Belize, and Cook Islands.
- Threatened the collapse of RPSL companies, training institutes, and auxiliary maritime services.
- Potentially replaced Indian officers with cheaper foreign labor from China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan.
- Reduced foreign exchange remittance from seafarers—a vital source of revenue for India.
What GSUI Demands Now
Despite the relief granted, GSUI is not backing down. The union has submitted a fresh representation to MoPSW (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways) calling for:
- Immediate suspension and withdrawal of Circular 31.
- Formation of a Joint Review Committee including maritime unions.
- Recognition of white-listed CoCs issued by IMO-member states with structured verification.
- Transparent stakeholder consultations in all future circulars.
- Disciplinary inquiry into officials involved in passing Circular 31 without due process.
Final Word from GSUI
“This is not just a win in court—it’s a win for every Indian seafarer’s right to dignity, employment, and recognition,” said Gaurav Porwal.
“GSUI will continue to fight until every clause of this circular is scrapped and no seafarer is left behind.”
Acknowledging the relentless fight led by Gaurav Porwal, Former MLC Balaram Patil has announced that GSUI will formally felicitate him for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the cause of Indian seafarers. This symbolic gesture is expected to take place during GSUI’s upcoming national meet, in the presence of maritime workers and union representatives from across the country.
