The Supreme Court on Monday cited that 40 per cent of the India’s decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Viraat has been dismantled and dismissed a plea by a private firm seeking to convert it into a museum.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian told the counsel representing private firm Envitech Marine Consultants Pvt Ltd that, ‘You are too late 40 per cent of the ship is already dismantled, how will you make it a museum.’

The firm’s counsel argued that it can seek services of a reputed firm and conduct a survey and get to the top court in the matter.

The bench replied: “Somebody had paid good money for the ship, the govt has entered into a legal transaction for the sale of the ship. They have dismantled 40 per cent. You are too late in the case.” The bench noted that it is with a private firm on the aspect of spirit of its nationalism, but it came to the top court very late.

Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, representing the Shree Ram Group, said that the Bombay High Court had asked the firm to make a representation before the Ministry of Defence and seek their permission.

Later, Dhavan added the defence ministry rejected their plea.