Bail given: Italy; up to SC: India

Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 2

India and Italy today continued their posturing even as the UN Court in The Hague reportedly ruled that the Italian marine Salvatore Girone should be allowed to travel back home on bail even as the arbitration proceedings go on. Italy was quick to claim that it has succeeded in bringing the marine back home, while sources in the government here said Italy was “misrepresenting the tribunal order”.

Sources say the tribunal order affirms the Supreme Court of India’s authority and that India and Italy have been asked to approach the Supreme Court for relaxation of bail conditions for Girone. Sources maintain his possible return to Italy is strictly conditional on Italy guaranteeing to send him back, if needed.

Both India and Italy have been embroiled in a diplomatic row since 2012 when Girone and fellow marine Massimiliano Latorre were arrested for killing two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala. The marines in their defence said they mistook the fishermen for pirates. Italy argued since the incident took place in international waters, India has no jurisdiction over the matter.

While Girone has been residing on the Italian Embassy premises in the capital here, Latorre was allowed to travel back to Italy in 2014 for treatment after suffered a stroke.

According to the Italian foreign ministry, it will start consultations with India that the conditions to give effect to the decision of the arbitral tribunal are quickly defined and agreed. According to an Italian news agency, the ruling about the same will be made public tomorrow.

Affirms SC’s authority

The UN arbitration tribunal order affirms the Supreme Court of India’s authority. It has reportedly asked India and Italy to approach the apex court for relaxation of the Marine’s bail conditions