Luxury liner faces ‘arrest’

MUMBAI: It’s a first in Indian legal history. The Kerala high court has ordered the ‘arrest’ of the popular cruise liner Super Star Libra for criminal negligence for the death of 14-month-old US citizen of Indian-origin, Neuna Shah.

She drowned on November 21, 2006 after a small vessel attached to the cruise liner ferrying her to Kadamat Island, near Lakshadweep, capsized.  The liner is currently docked in Mumbai and is expected to set sail for Lakshadweep on Sunday evening.

Legal papers available with DNA say the court acted on a criminal negligence petition filed by Shah’s parents, Mehul and Natasha.

“The court has prescribed a bank guarantee of Rs10 lakh to be furnished by Ms. Star Cruises (Malaysia),” Joy Thattil, lawyer for Mehul and Natasha, told DNA.

The court order means the liner will not be able to set sail till surety is furnished. The vessel may be permitted to leave Indian shores after executing the surety, but the court can impound the vessel if the charges are proved.

Senior Manager (Marketing) Star Cruises Naresh Rawal told DNA: “You will have to speak to our representative in Malaysia.” Repeated attempts to contact the legal representative of Star Cruises in Malaysia — Seap Hong Wong — proved futile.