Italian envoy can’t leave India till 2 April: SC

The SC on Monday extended its order restraining Italy’s Ambassador Daniele Mancini from leaving the country till further orders. The court also told Mancini and Republic of Italy that they cannot claim diplomatic immunity after reneging on the undertaking given to it in the matter of Italian marines. The matter would be now heard on 2 April. Meanwhile, after withholding posting of its Ambassador-designate Basant Kumar Gupta to Rome, MEA on Monday said further steps will be taken after completion of the review of bilateral ties with Italy. Ministry spokesperson also said MEA will abide by the SC’s order on the Italian envoy. Before passing the order, the bench said the period of four weeks for which the marines were allowed to go to Italy to cast their vote was yet to be over and they still have time to return.