Our office
Kolkata has been a port city for three centuries, and the Calcutta High Court is one of the courts in India exercising admiralty jurisdiction over vessels in its territorial waters, including those calling at the Kolkata and Haldia dock systems.
We act for cargo interests, ship owners, charterers, suppliers and crew in maritime claims, from urgent applications for arrest of a vessel to cargo, charterparty and freight disputes.
What we handle
- Arrest and release of vessels under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017
- Cargo damage, shortage and delay claims
- Charterparty, demurrage and freight disputes
- Claims for necessaries, bunkers and ship repair
- Crew wage and repatriation claims
- Bills of lading and marine insurance disputes
- Port and customs related matters
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017 a High Court exercising admiralty jurisdiction can order the arrest of a vessel within its jurisdiction to secure a maritime claim, such as a claim for cargo loss, necessaries, crew wages or under a charterparty. The vessel is usually released once adequate security is furnished.
Where the carriage is governed by the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, the carrier is discharged from liability unless suit is brought within one year of delivery of the goods, or of the date when they should have been delivered. Notice of loss or damage should also be given at the time of delivery or shortly after.
Admiralty suits are heard on the Original Side of the Calcutta High Court, which exercises admiralty jurisdiction under the 2017 Act over the waters within its territorial limits.
This page describes the law and procedure generally applicable in West Bengal. It is not legal advice on any particular matter; every matter turns on its own facts.