A court here Tuesday adjourned for March 31 the hearing in a case against two Italian Marines allegedly involved in the killing of two Indian fishermen in 2012.

 

 Additional Sessions Judge Bharat Parashar adjourned the hearing after National Investigation Agency (NIA) lawyers and defence counsel apprised the court that certain applications related to the case are pending in the apex court, which is scheduled to hear the case after two weeks.

 

 Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone were arrested for killing two Indian fisherman off the coast of Kerala in February 2012, mistaking their fishing boat for a pirate vessel. The two are currently on bail.

 

 The trial court deferred the hearing to March 31, saying it will hear on the same day the NIA's plea on securing the custody of the Marines. The Supreme Court Jan 18, 2013, said that till such time as the special court is set up, the Marines will be under the custody of the apex court.

 

 The Marines, posted onboard oil tanker MV Enrica Lexie, had fired at a fishing boat, suspecting that it carried pirates. Two Indian fishermen, Ajesh Binki and Gelastine, were killed in the firing.

 

 Italian officials say the Marines merely fired warning shots into the sea. Italy disputes India's jurisdiction over the case, claiming the incident took place in international waters.