Kochi, June 10 -- The Kerala government does not intend to file a criminal case immediately against Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the operator of the ELSA 3 cargo vessel which sank off the coast of the state on May 25, citing the firm's 'patronisation' of the Vizhinjam International Seaport and the need to collect evidence for damages to file compensation claims, a note prepared by Chief Secretary A Jayathilak on May 29 said.

The delay in filing the case has been criticised by the opposition, which rejected the government's arguments.

The note, seen by HT, was prepared the same day Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met top officials of the Directorate General of Shipping and four days after the Liberia-flagged cargo vessel loaded ...