Supreme Court seeks Italian govt stand on release of ship Enrica Lexie

New Delhi, Apr 30 (PTI) The Supreme Court today asked the Italian government to explain its stand on the release of the vessel Enrica Lexie whose two marines allegedly shot dead two Indian fishermen, Jalastine and Binki, off the coast of the southern Indian state of Kerala. A bench of justices R M Lodha and H L Gokhale reserved till 10.30am (0500 gmt) tomorrow its order on the plea for release of the ship by which time the Italian government was asked to file its response. Earlier during the two hour long arguments, the apex court also questioned the Kerala government as to why it did not oppose the compromise reached between the families of the deceased fishermen and the Italian vessel's owners who reportedly paid Rupees 10 million to each family. Referring to the compromise reached the apex bench said "This is a challenge to the Indian judicial system This is impermissible. It is most unfortunate." The apex court also indicated that it was not in favour of detaining the vessel crew and the two marines unless their presence was required by the investigating authorities. The bench made it clear that not only the citizens of this country but even foreign nationals who are presently in the country are entitled to the protection of article 21 which grants liberty to every citizen. Earlier on April 23 the court had sought the response of the Central Indian Government and the Kerala State Government on the plea of Italian Government to quash criminal cases filed against its two naval personnel. The court is also hearing a petition challenging the seizure of Italian vessel Enrica Lexie by the authorities after two marines onboard allegedly gunned down two Indian fishermen on February 15. The special leave petition was filed by Enrica's owners, Dolphin Tankers questioning the Kerala High Court's order staying the release of the vessel. PTI