The Supreme Court on Tuesday closed all criminal proceedings here against two Italian marines, who were accused of killing of two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast in 2012, after payment of Rs 10 crore compensation by Italy.
A bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and MR Shah noted that as the international tribunal order, India has agreed to the compensation of 10 crores and Italy has already deposited the amount.
“We are satisfied with the compensation and the ex-gratia paid over and above earlier. This is a fit case to close all proceedings in India under Article 142 of the Constitution," the bench said.
The bench also said Italy must start criminal proceedings against the two marines under its jurisdiction immediately as per the international tribunal's order. The case details along with evidence will be provided by the Centre and the Kerala government, the court said.
The top court ordered transfer of Rs 10 crore to Kerala High Court registry out of which Rs 4 crore each should be paid to the two victims’ families and Rs 2 crore to the boat owner. The bench added the High Court should appoint a judge to ensure the compensation is paid to the victims’ legal heirs.
In February 2012, India had accused two Italian marines, Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre, on board the MV Enrica Lexie -- an Italian flagged oil tanker -- of killing two Indian fishermen who were on a fishing vessel in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
(Published 15 June 2021, 05:22 IST)
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