The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Italian Ambassador and restrained him from leaving the country without its permission. The apex court took exception to Italian government's refusal to send back marines charged with the killing of two fishermen.

A three judge bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir also issued notice to the two marines, who were allowed by the Apex court to go to Italy to cast their vote in the elections there after Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini gave an assurance to send them back. The bench asked them to file their response by Monday.

Attorney General G E Vahanvati brought the issue before the bench, saying that it is a breach of undertaking given to the highest court of the land and the government is extremely concerned about it.

The bench further said that if notice is not served to the marines,then it will be served through the Italian Ambassador.The bench posted the matter for further hearing on Monday next after the AG pleaded for an urgent hearing on this issue.