The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended the home stay of Italian Marine Massimiliano latorre till April 30 even as it nursed doubts on his return following a statement by Italian Senator Nicola latorre indicating he may not return to face trial in India for the murder of two Indian fishermen on high sea.
Incidentally, the statement of the Italian senator came just in time before the case came up in the apex court in a late afternoon sitting. The Bench of Justices AR Dave, Kurian Joseph and Amitava Roy asked Italian Government to confirm the statement of its Senator.
According to Italian media, latorre who is the president of the Senate Defence Committee was quoted as having said, “Massimiliano latorre will not return to India, and furthermore, the possibility of asking for Salvatore Girone’s return is being explored.” Both latorre and Girone are charged of murdering the two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast in February 2012.
Responding to Supreme Court’s query, senior advocate Soli Sorabjee appearing for Italy said that at best it was an individual view and not the stand of the Government. He submitted an extension for latorre’s stay in Italy owing to his medical condition. Earlier, the court extended the period of stay on July 13, 2015. Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand did not raise any objection.
Posting the case for April 13, the Bench asked Centre to suggest by what time the arbitration proceedings initiated by Italy under the United National Convention on law of Seas (UNClOS) will complete. Sorabjee said it may take a year while ASG Anand sought time to seek instructions.
In addition, the court asked Italy to provide proper details of latorre’s medical condition as extensions were being granted to him without producing any proof of his health status.