The Supreme Court, today (13.07.2015) extended the stay of one of the accused Italian marine Massimiliano Latorre, in his country Italy for a further period of six months on medical grounds. It was stated that Lattore was suffering from certain medical complications after the heart surgery undergone by him in January this year. The Union of India did not oppose the prayer for such extension on humanitarian grounds.
The stay in Italy of the Italian marine Massimiliano Latorre was last extended by the Supreme Court on 9th April and was valid upto 15 July, which was also on grounds of health.
Latorre was first allowed to go to Italy in September last year on the ground of his medical treatment, after he suffered from a brain stroke in India on 31 August, 2014.
Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone are the two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast in February 2012. This case had created a lot of controversy internationally, with regard to jurisdiction to try the two accused persons.
The Supreme Court, today also directed the Government of India to file its response to a writ petition filed by Italy, wherein it has challenged the jurisdiction of India to try this case and has sought to submit this case to International Arbitration. Additional Solicitor General P.S. Narsimha stated that India will participate in the arbitration and will raise all the objections in the said proceedings. This matter will be listed in the last week of August.
It would be pertinent to mention that the trial of these two Italian fishermen was to be conducted by a Special Court in Delhi, constituted under the directions of the Supreme Court, however this trial is yet to begin.
