MPs demand arrest of Italian ambassador

Arun Jaitley said marines could have cast their votes through emails and there was no need for them to be critically present

The issue of the Italian marines not returning to India rocked Parliament during zero hour today with Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley labeling it as state sponsored violation of Indian law. Members of Parliament (MP) cutting across party lines demanded an explanation from the ruling Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and what action would be taken against Italy.

Jaitley said marines could have cast their votes through emails and there was no need for them to be critically present. Moreover, this was not the first instance where accused had not returned to Indian jurisdiction. Jailtey argued that there were three such instances previously.  

Senior AIADMK leader V Maitreyan directly demanded that Italian ambassador be arrested as he himself was the guarantor in the Supreme Court. CPI(M) senior leader Sitaram Yechury questioned why four weeks time was given to the marines to cast their votes.       

The upper house had to be adjourned when MPs were dissatisfied with the response of parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath who said that the government views the issue with “serious concern” and was willing to have a full length discussion on the matter.