KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday approved the settlement made between the Republic of Italy and J Freddy, owner of the fishing boat involved in the Enrica Lexie episode, regarding compensation.The out-of-court-settlement made with the Lok Adalat was recorded by Justice A M Shaffique of the High Court. Freddy’s counsel Raja Vijayaraghavan told the court that a demand draft for Rs 17 lakh has been handed over to him. He also added that as per the terms of settlement, Freddy would withdraw all complaints and other legal proceedings initiated by him against the Republic of Italy.Passing the award, the Lok Adalat headed by former High Court judge K John Mathew and former District Judge Sreelatha Devi held that the adalat is satisfied that the settlement was beneficial to the petitioner. Italian Consul-General Giampaolo Cuttillo handed over a DD of `17 lakh. Counsel for both the parties were also present.In an undertaking produced along with the settlement agreement, Freddy agreed to unconditionally abandon all his claims in this regard and withdraw all allegations made by him in the suit.Freddy stated that he is even willing to file an affidavit or statement to enable the Italian marines being exonerated or discharged from all accusations and charges with respect to the allegations against them.
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