Let's dive into the recent decision by the Madras High Court regarding the ship MV Zhong Gu Xiong and its legal battle with Monjasa Pte Ltd. Here's what happened!
On December 18, 2025, the ship MV Zhong Gu Xiong, which sails under the flag of China, was stopped at Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu. This happened because Monjasa Pte Ltd. claimed that the ship owed them USD 225,048, which is about INR 2,03,28,585.84. The court ordered the ship to be stopped after Monjasa filed a case against it.
The case was heard by Justice N. Anand Venkatesh on December 19, 2025. Both sides shared their points of view. The ship's owners, and those interested in the ship MV Zhong Gu Xiong, were represented by Mr. Nandakumar, while Mrs. Deepika Murali spoke for Monjasa Pte Ltd.
To have the ship released, the ship's owners gave a security deposit. They provided a bank draft of INR 2,03,28,585.84 from Axis Bank, which was given to the Registrar General of the High Court of Madras.
"The applicant/defendant has furnished security for a sum of Rs.2,03,28,585.84 by means of a demand draft," said the court order.
With the security deposit in place, the court decided to release the ship. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh instructed the Registrar General to put the money in a fixed deposit that earns interest. The court also told the Registry to let all relevant authorities, including the ship's captain, know about the release of the ship.
The court stressed the need to communicate this order quickly. The owners' lawyer was allowed to inform the port authorities to ensure the ship's release.
The court lifted the arrest order on the MV Zhong Gu Xiong after the ship's owners provided a security deposit. This allowed the ship to continue its journey without further delay.
