Three years ago former Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav was arrested by Pakistan, charged with ‘espionage’, and sentenced to death by the Pakistani military court. However, India disputed these charges and took the matter to the International Court of Justice. India stated that Kulbhushan Jadhav was actually abducted from Iran, where he had business interests.
In May 2017, the ICJ first stayed Pakistan’s execution order till the court adjudicated the case. After a legal battle that lasted two years and two months, the International Court of Justice has now ruled in favor of India.
The ICJ, under Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, also stated that a continued stay on execution was required so that Pakistan may effectively ‘review and reconsider’ Kulbhushan Jadhav’s sentence.
It also affirmed his right to consular access, while recognizing Pakistan’s breach of the Vienna Convention.
Though the decision was ruled in favor of India, 15 votes to 1, the ICJ has not yet agreed to India’s request to annul the Pakistan military’s court decision and release Kulbhushan Jadhav.