In a fresh development in the Italian marines case, the law Ministry on Saturday concurred with the External Affairs Ministry on non-applicability of a controversial anti-piracy law which is being strongly contested by the Italian Government.
The law Ministry is of the view that the Suppression of Unlawful Acts (SUA) against the safety of Maritime Navigation should not apply in the case against the two Italian marines who have been accused of killing two Indian fishermen two years ago, sources said. This view, which concurs with that of the External Affairs Ministry, was conveyed to the Home Ministry today, the sources added. The ball is now in the court of the Home Ministry.
The development assumes significance as the law Ministry has given its view just two days ahead of the hearing in the Supreme Court which had asked the Government to sort out differences on applicability of SUA. During the last hearing on February 18, Attorney General GE Vahanvati told the Supreme Court that the Government is waiting for the law Ministry’s opinion on the issue.