SC restrains Italian ambassador from leaving India

The Supreme Court today restrained the Italian ambassador from leaving the country without its permission, taking exception to his government’s refusal to send back marines charged with the killing of two fishermen. A bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir issued notice to Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini and the two marines, Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone.

The two marines were allowed by the apex court to go to Italy to cast their vote in the elections there after the Italian ambassador had given an assurance to send them back.

The bench, also comprising justices A.R. Dave and Vikramajit Sen, passed the order after it was brought to its notice that the Republic of Italy has reneged on its assurance given to the apex court.

Attorney General (AG) G.E. Vahanvati brought the issue before the bench, saying that “its a breach of undertaking given to the highest court of the land and the government is extremely concerned about it”.

After hearing the AG’s submission, the bench issued notices to the ambassador and the two marines and asked them to file their response by March 18.

The bench further said that if notice is not served to the marines, who are right now in Italy, then it will be served through the Italian ambassador.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on coming Monday after the AG pleaded for an urgent hearing on this issue.

The two marines were on board Italian vessel ‘Enrica Lexie’, when they shot dead two fishermen off the Kerala coast on February 15, last year.