Italian marines row: Envoy ‘banned’ by Supreme Court from leaving India

Attorney General G E Vahanvati mentioned the matter before the court and said the recent developments were required to be brought to its notice since the reprieve was granted by the apex court.

Stunned by Italy going back on its sovereign assurance on the return of the Italian marines facing trial in India for killing two Kerala fishermen,the External Affairs ministry on Tuesday had summoned Ambassador Daniele Mancini and read him the riot act.

His expulsion,sources said,is being actively considered as one of the options New Delhi can exercise in response to Rome’s sudden decision that was announced late on Monday. Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai held meetings with key MEA officials as the government considered its options through Tuesday.

The diplomatic options discussed include minimum diplomatic contact with Italy — like India has with Denmark in recent years over the Kim Davy extradition issue — or snapping all diplomatic ties which includes closing its mission in Rome and asking the Italians to shut theirs in India,cancelling business contracts with Italian companies and stopping all diplomatic visits by either side,sources said.

Besides,the government is also talking to legal experts and law ministry officials to explore legal options.

Govt to comply with SC order on marines issue

Government today said it will comply with the Supreme Court order restraining the Italian Ambassador from leaving the country after Italy refused to send back marines charged with the killing of two fishermen.

“We will comply with the Supreme Court order on the Italian marines issue. It is in the best interest of our country and in the best interest of our judicial system,”

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid told reporters outside Parliament House.

The apex court today took exception to Italian government’s refusal to send back marines charged with the killing of two fishermen and issued the order.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir also issued notice to the two marines,Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone,who were allowed by the apex court to go to Italy to cast their vote in the elections there after Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini 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.