In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed whether the Board of Trustees of Cochin Port could charge ground rent to steamer agents for storing goods beyond a 'short period', and whether the definition of 'owner' under the Major Port Trusts Act includes the ship-owner's agent. The Court held that the definition of 'owner' inclusively covers both the ship-owner and its agent, and the Port Trust acts as custodian—not as the consignee's agent. The 'short period' for which rent is charged may reasonably vary based on port congestion and storage space. The Court disposed of the appeals, directing recomputation of ground rent liability without retroactively refunding amounts already paid beyond 75 days, considering justice and the advanced stage of proceedings.
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