An application was moved before the Supreme Court on Saturday seeking a direction to the central government to take immediate steps for extradition of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, an accused in the Bofors pay-off case, from Argentina where he has been detained.

The application, filed by advocate Ajay Agrawal, has sought direction to the Central Bureau of Investigation to submit status report on the steps taken for Quattrocchi's extradition. The Italian businessman, wanted in the Bofors case for the last 14 years, was detained and taken in preventive custody on February 6 at Iguazu airport while in transit to Buenos Aires.

The application said that CBI had the information that Quattrocchi was held in Argentina since Febraury 8 but it maintained a discreet silence even when a matter relating to him was heard before the apex Court on February 12.

He said that prompt steps for extradition of Quattrocchi was required as the 30 days period for completing the process would end on March 7.

The application contended that CBI withholding information about Quattrocchi's detention in Argentina amounted to contempt of court.

The application said since Indian government was not having extradition treaty with Argentina, there was apprehension that the CBI may not be able to get Quattrocchi back.

"It has, therefore, become necessary for the petitioner to approach this court for direction to CBI and other authorities in the government to take immediate steps to accomplish extradition of fugitive Ottavio Quattrocchi, lest he again becomes scarce to CBI, which is already having a lukewarm approach in the matter favouring Quattrocchi," the application said.