Section 87
Restrictions on suits for wages.
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
About this Act
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to merchant shipping to ensure compliance with India's obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party and also to ensure the development of Indian shipping and efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interest and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
A proceeding for the recovery of wages due to a seafarer shall not be instituted by or on behalf of any seafarer in any civil court except where,—
(a) the ship owner has been declared insolvent;
(b) the vessel is under arrest or sold by the authority of any court; or
(c) a Judicial Magistrate of the first class refers a claim to the court.
(a) the ship owner has been declared insolvent;
(b) the vessel is under arrest or sold by the authority of any court; or
(c) a Judicial Magistrate of the first class refers a claim to the court.