PIL Asks Govt to Approach ICJ For Kulbhushan Jadhav’s Release

The plea said India should issue protocol for the release of Indians abducted in other countries, as well.

Kulbhushan Jadhav, who Islamabad claims is an Indian spy, was denied access to consular a day before the filing of PIL. (Photo: The Quint)

A public interest litigation (PIL) on Tuesday was filed in the Delhi High Court to direct the External Affairs Ministry to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the release of Kulbhushan Jadhav.

The 46-year-old Indian national was sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court on 10 April, for alleged spying and terrorist attacks in Balochistan.

The plea urged the ministry to approach the ICJ on grounds that the former naval officer has not only been illegally detained, but also been wrongly given the death sentence.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had earlier said that evidence against Jadhav was "concocted".

Also Read: Navy Officer-Turned-Spy or Businessman: Who is Kulbhushan Jadhav?

This is an act of premeditated murder... I would caution the Pakistani government to consider the consequences for our bilateral relationship if they proceed on this matter.

Sushma Swaraj

The PIL was filed a day after reports of Pakistan Army refusing to provide consular access to Jadhav. However, the Indian government maintained that there was no official confirmation from Pakistan regarding the denial of a consular.

Also Read: 4 Things You Must Know About Kulbhushan Jadhav’s Death Sentence

Filed by social activist Rahul Sharma, the PIL said India should issue protocol for the release of Indians abducted in other countries, as well. 

The petition is likely to be heard in the Delhi High Court on 19 April.

(With PTI inputs)

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