New Delhi: Despite objections by Italy, two marines accused of murdering a pair of fishermen from Kerala will be investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Supreme Court ruled today.
Italy had argued that the NIA does not have jurisdiction.
The Italian government has argued that if convicted under a stringent law invoked by the NIA, its two naval officers could face the death sentence.
That would violate an assurance given by India to Rome last month that helped bring the marines back to Delhi to stand trial.
While they were at home on a four-week stay allowed by the Supreme Court, Rome suddenly announced that it would renege on a commitment to return them to India, as promised in court.
A diplomatic crisis flared up, and ended when Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone, flew into Delhi just hours before the deadline set by the Supreme Court expired.
India had assured the Italian government would not be tried under charges that could lead to a death sentence. An agreement between the two countries makes it possible for the marines to serve jail time in Italy, if convicted.
The government then assigned the case to the NIA.
In February 2012, the two marines were guarding an Italian oil tanker when they say they mistook two fishermen for pirates and shot them.
The Italians have been contesting the jurisdiction of Indian courts in the matter, saying the incident occurred in international waters. India disagrees.
Italy had argued that the NIA does not have jurisdiction.
The Italian government has argued that if convicted under a stringent law invoked by the NIA, its two naval officers could face the death sentence.
While they were at home on a four-week stay allowed by the Supreme Court, Rome suddenly announced that it would renege on a commitment to return them to India, as promised in court.
Advertisement
India had assured the Italian government would not be tried under charges that could lead to a death sentence. An agreement between the two countries makes it possible for the marines to serve jail time in Italy, if convicted.
Advertisement
In February 2012, the two marines were guarding an Italian oil tanker when they say they mistook two fishermen for pirates and shot them.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Supreme Court Relief To 30 Army Men In 2021 Botched Nagaland Operation "Bulldozer Can't Be Justice": Akhilesh Yadav On Supreme Court Halting Demolitions "Matter Of Decorum": Supreme Court On Plea Seek Summer Exemption From Black Coat 3 Grams Of Explosives Per Pager: Israel's Complex Op To Hurt Hezbollah 9 Dead, 2,800 Hurt As Pagers Explode Across Lebanon, Hezbollah Blames Israel "Wear Proper Undergarments": Delta Airlines' New Memo For Flight Attendants Delhi High Court Permits Ashneer Grover, Wife To Travel To Doha And UK IIT Kanpur Introduces Continuing Medical Education Program New XEC Covid Variant Spreads To 27 Countries, Here's What We Know So Far Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.