Finally, settlement comes out-of-Court

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday granted permission for an out-of-court settlement regarding the compensation package to relatives of the two Enrica Lexie victims. Justice A M Shaffique issued the order on a petition filed by the victims’ family members.Doramma, wife of  one of the victims Valentine, and two minor children along with sisters of Ajeesh Pink, another victim, submitted before the court that the Italian Government has offered Rs 1 crore each as compensation and that they propose to reach a settlement with Italy.The court also allowed the petition filed by Consul General of Italy Giampaolo Cutillo to get impleaded in the compensation case. The petitioners also submitted that the agreement was made between Italy and the victims’ family members.The pact pointed out that the family members have agreed to accept Rs 1 crore each as compensation. They are willing to withdraw all other claims and the agreement insisted that all the cases filed against the Italian marines and the shipping company in the High Court and Kollam CJM Court should be withdrawn.The agreement also pointed out that the family members admitted that the amount paid by Italy would be full and final settlement and that it would not be challenged before any other court or forum in  future. The family members agreed to file the necessary statements before the High Court for such withdrawal, strictly in terms of agreement.“The family members also are ready to file statements or affidavits to exonerate from all accusation, liabilities and charges with respect to the allegation against the Italians,” the agreement said.