The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate on a writ petition alleging large-scale financial irregularities, money laundering and human trafficking linked to the deaths of Indian seafarers.

Justice Prateek Jalan directed the agency to respond by July 16, 2026, on the plea seeking a court-monitored investigation based on complaints submitted to the ED in July 2025.

The petition has been filed by Dr. Amrita Singh and family members of deceased seafarers, alleging a systemic nexus involving officials of the Directorate General of Shipping, maritime unions, and private shipping and recruitment companies. It claims that these entities were involved in financial fraud, illegal salary deductions, diversion of welfare funds, and misappropriation of compensation and insurance amounts.

Relying on an RTI response dated October 28, 2022, the petition highlights that 383 Indian seafarers have died under suspicious circumstances, raising concerns over possible suppression of material facts despite their medical fitness prior to deployment.

The plea further alleges that families of deceased seafarers have been denied legitimate compensation, while funds meant for their welfare were siphoned off through unlawful mechanisms. It also raises concerns regarding coercion, exploitation and lack of accountability in the maritime sector.

Senior Advocate Pramod Kumar Dubey, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that despite detailed complaints, no action had been taken by the ED, necessitating judicial intervention in a matter involving serious public interest and safety concerns.

Appearances:

Sr. Adv. Pramod Kumar Dubey with Mr. Tushar Aggarwal Adv., Ms. Amrita Vatsa Adv., Mr. Ramachandruni B. Siddharta Adv., Ms. Khushi Arora Adv., Ms. Shivangi Mishra Adv., Mr. Arun Kumar Adv., Ms. Rashi Chaudhary Adv. appeared on behalf of the petitioners.