The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered status quo on the dismantling of decommissioned aircraft carrier, INS Viraat, which was in service with the Indian Navy for nearly three decades.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and compromising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian, said: "Issue notice. In the meantime, parties are directed to maintain status quo with regard to dismantling/breaking of the subject-ship known as INS Viraat, as on date."