Ready with charge sheet against Italian marines: NIA to court

The NIA today told a special court here that it was "ready" with a charge sheet against two Italian marines, accused of killing two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast in 2012, and would file it after the Supreme Court decides on the issue raised by the Italian government.
According to the National Investigation Agency, the apex court is scheduled to hear the plea of Italian government challenging invocation of anti-terrorism law against its two marines on February 3.
"We are ready with the charge sheet and we will file it. The Supreme Court will decide (on the plea) first," the NIA prosecutor told Additional Sessions Judge Dharmesh Sharma.

The counsel appearing for marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone argued that the proceedings in the case should go ahead after the apex court decides on the plea filed by the Italian government.
The court, which was scheduled to hear the arguments on NIA's plea requesting it to take "appropriate steps" to secure the custody of the marines, fixed the matter for February 25.
"Counsel for the NIA and the accused have apprised this court that the matter concerning the present application and other related issues are subject matter of the petition filed before the Supreme Court... The application is adjourned for hearing on February 25," the judge said.

The court, however, made it clear that in case the charge sheet is filed, it will proceed with the matter.
A Supreme Court bench headed by Justice B S Chauhan is hearing the plea filed by Ambassador of Italy Daniele Mancini and the two marines challenging invoking of anti-terrorism law SUA (Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Maritime Navigation And Fixed Platforms on Continental Shelf) Act.
It has also sought direction to the Centre and the NIA to expedite the proceedings in the case or discharge the marines.