SC defers Italian Marines case, questions delay in submitting Rs 10 cr compensation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday postponed the Italian Marines case to next week and questioned the Centre about delay in submitting Rs 10 crore ex-gratia.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India S A Bobde was hearing the application filed by the Centre seeking closure of the criminal cases against the two Italian Marines in India, after accepting the Rs 10 crore compensation offered by Italy.

The case pertains to killing of two Indian fishermen allegedly by Italian marines Massimilano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, who thought that the boat that passed their tank Erica Lexie was of pirates and opened fire, resulting in death of Valentine Jalastine and Ajesh Binki on February 15, 2012.

Chief Justice Bobde said, “There is no proof of depositing the money with the Supreme Court. Why?”

The Centre replied, “The Italian government had transferred the money to India but we are yet to receive it. Once received, the money will be deposited with the court.”

Earlier, the Centre had informed the court that the victims’ families had agreed to be compensated.

The Centre wanted the case to be closed after an International Tribunal ordered that the Italian Marines must be tried in Italy. (UNI)