The apex court after an undertaking from the Italian Ambassador had allowed the two Italian naval guards — Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre — who were facing trial in India for killing two Kerala fishermen, to go home to vote in the national elections.

The marines were sent back to Italy on February 23, a day before the country's election, but the Italian Government on March 11 made it clear that they will not return back to India.