The government on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it did not object to Italian marine Massimiliano Latorre, who is accused of killing two Indian fishermen in 2012, remaining in his country till an international tribunal decides which country will try the case, PTI reported. A Bench of Justices AR Dave, Kurian Joseph and Amitava Roy, however, asked the Centre to file a formal response to Latorre's plea that sought a modification of his bail conditions. According to an earlier court order, Latorre can stay in Italy till September 30.

Additional Solicitor General PS Narasimha told the Bench that India is ready to follow the same conditions that were imposed on marine Salvatore Girone, the other accused in the case. In May this year, the apex court had imposed four conditions on Girone while granting him bail and allowing him to be in Italy. The court will hear the matter again on September 28.

Both the Kerala government and advocate Rana Mukherjee, who represented the families of the two deceased fishermen, raised objections. The state said there should not be any "blanket order of relief", arguing that the international tribunal will not give its verdict before 2019. Mukherjee, on the other hand, alleged that he has not been served a copy of the application. To the state government's argument, ASG Narasimha said the international tribunal has said that the Supreme Court can take a call on the bail plea of the two marines, reported The Indian Express.

Latorre and Girone allegedly opened fire on February 15, 2012, after they thought the two Indian fishermen were pirates. The marines were on board the Italian-flagged commercial oil tanker Enrica Lexie when the incident took place.