Supreme Court lifts order restraining Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini from leaving India

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today vacated its order restraining Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini from leaving India following the return of two Italian marines, accused of killing two Indian fishermen, to face trial here as per his commitment to the court.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir vacated its March 14 order by which it had restrained the Ambassador from leaving the country after the Italian government had refused to send back the marines.

The bench also pulled up the Centre for not setting up special court for conducting proceedings against the marines as directed by it on January 18.

"Why the delay in the setting up of special court? Our intention to set up special court was to hear the case early and to fast track the trial. Marines are here so you finish off the case," the bench said asking the government to make its stand clear on April 16 on setting up of the court.

Referring to media reports, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Italian government, objected to the case being probed by the NIA.

During the hearing, the bench also slammed Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy when he stood up to argue in the case.

"Who are you? What is your locus standi in this case?," the bench asked.

Swamy replied that he has also filed a contempt petition in the case and wants to put forwad his contention. The bench, however, refused to allow him to argue.