Titus & Co, which is representing the Republic of Italy and two Italian marines charged before the Supreme Court of India for allegedly shooting two Indian fisherman, said it had not been told of the Italian government’s Monday decision not to comply with its undertaking to return the marines to India to stand trial.

Senior counsel Harish Salve, who was representing Italy and the marines in the matter as to jurisdiction, withdrew from the case earlier today citing the Italian government’s “breach of faith”.

Titus has now released a press statement through its PR agency noting:

Titus & Co, came to know of the decision of the Government of Italy not to return the two Marines to India only through media reports late night on Monday, March 11, 2013. We were not informed, consulted or forewarned at any point of time concerning this decision of the Government of Italy.

We have advised that this matter be resolved by the Government of Italy at the very earliest in accordance with the undertakings given to the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India and in compliance with the February 22nd, 2013 Order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India.”

The spokesperson confirmed that Titus continued acting for the Italian government and the marines, but he declined to confirm whether the firm would appoint another advocate to replace Salve.