Supreme Court seeks explanation on Italian Marines from central government

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the central government to explain the law under which they would try the two Italian marines who have been accused of killing two Indian fishermen.

The apex court bench headed by Justice B.S.Chauhan said the government would make its stand clear on this issue by next Wednesday, when the court takes up the matter for further hearing.

Reacting to the further delay in the hearing, Italian Ambassador to India Daniele Mancini and Special Envoy of the Italian government Staffan De Mistura said this was the 25th time when the matter had been delayed.

"This is the 25th time that such an important issue has been postponed. I cannot say what the Italian Government will say on this. I can only say that we are highly respectful to the fact that the Supreme Court is putting an ultimatum to these delays," said Mistura.

"But, at the same time, we are very disappointed, because the question of death penalty and of the SUA (Suppression of Unlawful Acts) is still pending. There is a possibility of utilizing an anti-terrorist law for two military men who were involved in an incident in international waters, and that terrorist law also includes death penalty. By this, they will not only be ending two Italian military, but two European lives as well, and the European Union and the European countries are extremely concerned about this precedent," he added.

Rome has harshly criticised the country's decision to try the accused Italian marines under an anti-piracy and anti-terrorism act.

Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, part of a military security team protecting a cargo ship off the coast of Kerala, say they thought the fishermen were pirates and fired shots to warn them off in February 2012.

The case has become a sensitive political issue in both countries. In India, supporters of harsh penalties for the marines had marched on the streets, while in Rome the lights illuminating the Colosseum were turned off last year in a protest demanding the two be allowed to return home.