Italian Marine to Stay in Italy Till Int’l Tribunal Verdict: SC

The SC directed the Centre to submit reports on the status of the jurisdiction case at the international tribunal.

A file photo of Italian Marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone. (Photo: Reuters)

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court allowed Italian marine Massimiliano Latorre to remain in Italy till the international tribunal delivers its verdict on whether or not the matter is under India’s jurisdiction or not.

An International Arbitral Tribunal will decide the jurisdictional issue between India and Italy.

The Narendra Modi-led Central Government has reportedly agreed with the SC order.

Three years ago, Modi had blamed the then UPA government led by Manmohan Singh for its soft stance on the two Italian marines accused of killing two fishermen off the Kerala coast in 2002.

“At whose behest the government in Delhi gave the marines a chance to go back to Italy?” Modi asked.

The apex court has ordered the Centre to submit reports on the status of the jurisdiction case at the international tribunal every three months.

In May 2016, the Supreme Court had granted conditional bail to one of the Italian marines, Sergeant Salvatore Girone, and permission to return to Italy until a decision was made by the two countries.

After the bail, in an official statement, the MEA had said:

The Supreme Court has only relaxed bail conditions of Girone and he will continue to remain under monitoring and return when needed.

In September 2014, the other accused – Massimiliano Latorre – had returned to Italy for treatment after suffering a stroke. Now with the fate of Girone decided, no justice has been delivered.