New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS): The Supreme Court Wednesday extended by three months Italian marine chief master sergeant Massimilano Latorre's stay in Italy for his recovery in the wake of a heart surgery that he underwent Jan 5.

The apex court Bench, headed by Justice Anil R.Dave, extended the stay of Latorre after his senior counsel Soli Sorabjee told the court that the Italian marine required three months to get medically fit after the heart surgery.

Latorre along with another marine Salvatore Girone are accused of killing two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast in Feb 2012, allegedly mistaking them as sea pirates.

Besides Latorre's plea, the court had Dec 16 also declined the plea of the other marine Girone, who had sought to travel to Italy to celebrate Christmas with his family.

The apex court, Sep 12, 2014, had allowed Latorre to return to Italy for four months for treatment, recovery and rehabilitation after he suffered a brain stroke.

On Jan 7, Latorre urged the apex court to extend his stay in Italy as he had undergone heart surgery Jan 5.