Voicing concern over Tamil Nadu fishermen being caught by Sri Lankan Navy, the Supreme Court today issued notice to the Centre and state government on petitions filed by DMK and AIADMK MPs for release of those languishing in jails.

A bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam sought to know from the governments on how to resolve the issue through diplomatic and political channels, while expressing happiness that both the rival political parties are united on the issue.

The bench asked whether it is possible for the fishermen to know where to stop while fishing in the sea so that they do not transgress into the neighbouring country's territory.

The court directed the Centre and the State Government to file their response on two separate petitions, one filed by DMK MP AKS Vijayan and another by AIADMK MP M Thambidurai and others, also seeking direction to the government to protect the fishermen from being attacked by Sri Lankan Navy.