Italy questions jurisdiction of NIA in Italian marines case

Italy on Tuesday questioned the Government of India’s decision to let NIA probe a case against two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen.

Italy on Tuesday questioned the Government of India’s decision to let NIA probe a case against two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen.

New Delhi rejected Rome’s contention and told the Supreme Court that the probe would be completed in 60 days.

On behalf of Italy, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi questioned the NIA’s jurisdiction to investigate the case and told a bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir, that the charges slapped on the marines were not covered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act.

According to him, NIA could probe the case only if the marines were booked under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Maritime Navigation and Fixed Platforms on Continental Shelf Act, 2002.

Attorney General GE Vahanvati disagreed with the Italian government and justified the transfer of case to NIA on the ground that the CBI was over-burdened.

The court said it would hear the arguments by both parties on April 22.