Supreme Court bars Italian envoy from leaving India

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Italian government and ambassador to explain by March 18 their refusal to send back two marines, accused of shooting dead two Indian fishermen, for trial in India.

The court also restrained the Italian ambassador from leaving India without its permission. The two marines had been allowed by the top court to go home on a personal assurance of the Italian government, conveyed through ambassador Daniele Mancini.

On Thursday, AG G E Vahanvati informed the court that although the deadline for the return of the marines was March 22, the Italian government had through a note verbale declared its intention not to return the marines for trial in India.

Italy has cited violation of the laws of the sea and international conventions to justify its decision which has sparked off a major diplomatic row between the two countries.

"We have rejected the note verbale. It is not tenable," the ag said.
A bench led by the CJI then issued notices to the Italian govt, ambassador, and the two marines -- Massimilano Latore and Salvatore Girone -- asking them to explain their stand by March 18 before the court.

Senior counsel Harish Salve has since Italy going back on its commitment refused to defend Italy any more in court.