SC to hear marine's plea for extending stay in Italy

The Supreme Court will on Thursday hear a plea by Italian marine Massimilano Latorre, seeking extension of his stay in Italy by another three months for further treatment and recuperation following heart surgery on January 5.

The bench of Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice Kurian Joseph on Tuesday said Latorre's plea would be taken up on Thursday, after counsel Soli Sorabjee mentioned the matter for an early hearing.

The court on January 14 had extended by three months Chief Master Sergeant Latorre's stay in Italy for his recovery after his heart surgery.

The application seeking extension said doctors at the Taranto Military Hospital have specifically advised Latorre to continue to undergo intensive rehabilitation therapy in his home environment to help him recover.

Latorre and another marine, Salvatore Girone, are accused of killing two Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast in February 2012, allegedly mistaking them for sea pirates.

While allowing three months extension to Latorre on January 14, the apex court had taken an undertaking from the Italian ambassador assuring the court of the marine's return on expiry of the extended period.

The court had on September 12, 2014 allowed Latorre to go to Italy for four months for treatment, recovery and rehabilitation after he suffered a brain stroke.