India, March 21 -- The Bombay High Court on Tuesday allowed the owners of three "Iran-linked" ships, seized by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on February 6, to provide essential supplies to crew members under the security supervision. The ships had been seized for suspected smuggling of petroleum products in India's exclusive economic zone.

A division bench of justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri also allowed the owners of the ships-Balboa Shipping, Star Management Shipping and Royal Princess Shipping to determine the current market value of the vessels. The petitioners need to know the valuation of the ship in case the court decides that the vessels can be released on bonds based on their value.

The ships, Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star,...