Plea to modify marine’s bail condition: SC for govt’s reply

Government on Tuesday told Supreme Court it has no objection on Italy’s fresh plea seeking modification of bail conditions of marine Massimiliano Latorre to enable him remain in that country till an international tribunal decided which country had the right to try the case of killing of two Indian fishermen.

When the matter came up for hearing, a bench headed by Justice A R Dave wanted to know whether the government has filed its response to the plea.

To this, Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha said he had instruction that there is no objection and the same conditions could be imposed as was done in the case of another marine, Salvatore Girone, who too is in Italy.

However, the bench, which also comprised Justices Kurian Joseph and Amitava Roy, said it would like to have a proper response of the Centre and posted the matter for further hearing on September 28.

According to the earlier order of the court, the relief granted to Latorre to stay in Italy expires on September 30.

During the brief hearing, senior advocate Rana Mukherjee, appearing for the families of the two Kerala fishermen who were killed, objected to the hearing of the plea saying he has not been served with the copy of the application.