Apple changed this behaviour in iOS 16. So, now list with Selection is highlighting in non-edit mode.
I realized that we have to live with it.
So, I did a work around by setting a .listRowBackground of listItem to systemBackground.
(added the following changes to above code)
List(oceans, selection: $multiSelection) { ocean in
Text(ocean.name)
.listRowBackground(Color(UIColor.systemBackground))
}
so, now the grey highlight is avoided, and the systemBackground which is white is being displayed when tapped, making it appear as nothing is happening.
If there are any other solutions, let me know