Relevance: GS II (International Relations – Indian Diaspora, International Laws) | Source: The Hindu / Live Law

1. The Human Context

The Delhi High Court has intervened in the detention of 16 Indian crew members of the vessel MT Valiant Roar, who have been held by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRG) since December 2025.1 The court has directed the Centre to secure Consular Access and expedite their release.

2. The Dispute: Smuggling vs. Innocent Passage

  • Iran’s Claim: The vessel was seized off the Dibba port (near Dubai) on allegations of diesel smuggling.2
  • The Defense: Families argue the ship was carrying legitimate Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) via a ship-to-ship transfer. They contend the vessel was exercising the “Right of Innocent Passage” in international waters when it was fired upon and seized.

3. Legal & Humanitarian Concerns

  • Arbitrary Detention: The crew has been held for over 30 days without a formal detention order or disclosed grounds.3
  • Violations: The plea highlights violations of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 (poor conditions) and the Vienna Convention (denial of access to Indian diplomats).

UPSC Value Box

International Law / Concept

Relevance for Prelims

Right of Innocent PassageDefined under UNCLOS. It allows vessels to navigate through another state’s Territorial Sea (up to 12 nautical miles) as long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of that coastal state.
Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006Established by the ILO. Known as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights,” it sets minimum working and living standards for all seafarers. India is a signatory.
Vienna Convention (1963)Mandates that foreign nationals who are arrested or detained be given access to their country’s consulate/embassy for assistance.

Q. With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), consider the following statements:

  1. The “Right of Innocent Passage” allows foreign vessels to navigate through the territorial waters of a coastal state without prior permission, provided the passage is not prejudicial to peace or security.4
  2. The “Maritime Labour Convention, 2006” is a treaty under the aegis of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).5

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (a)

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