The International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, which had on Monday heard the arguments of India and Pakistan on former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav’s death sentence case, has stayed the execution of Jadhav by Pakistan military court, till it takes a final decision on the matter.

The death sentence to Jadhav, was awarded by a Pakistan military court on March 3 last year, last month for espionage and subversive activities.

On May 8, India had dragged Pakistan to the ICJ for refusing consular access to Jadhav and for violating the Vienna Convention on consular relations. ICJ president Ronny Abraham while reading out his verdict, said the ICJ asserted its jurisdiction over the case of Jadhav. The circumstances of Jadhav’s arrest remain disputed.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi hailing the verdict, said it is a victory for India’s stand. The ICJ verdict had shown that the military court trial by Pakistan was a “charade”, and that the neighbor had been completely “blown away” by it, added Rohatgi. He said he hoped that the final verdict, which would be announced in August, would also be in India’s favour. He further stated that, “This is a big win for India and for human rights. Kulbhushan Jadhav cannot be executed before a final verdict. Today, every single Indian is with Kulbhushan Jadhav and his family. I would like to congratulate the Ministry of External Affairs. The world knows that there was no fair trial. Pakistan’s military trial does not have merit. The ICJ’s verdict in this case is binding for both India and Pakistan.”

Here are the highlights :

- Kulbhushan Jadhav has been in Pakistan’s custody since the March 3, 2016. Details of his arrest remain under dispute: International Court of Justice.

- The court notes that the access denied to Kulbhushan Jadhav appears to fall within its jurisdiction: International Court of Justice.

- The court notes that the Vienna Convention does not exclude persons arrested for charges of spying or terrorism: International Court of Justice.

- UN court says it has jurisdiction on Pakistan’s failure to grant consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav.

- It appears that the rights invoked by India in this case are plausible: International Court of Justice.

- Pakistan should have given India consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, says UN court.

- Pakistan must take all steps to ensure Kulbhushan Jadhav is not executed, says UN court.

- The International Court of Justice gives verdict in favor of India. Tells Pakistan not to execute Kulbhushan Jadhav, as well as give consular access to India. This is a big diplomatic win for India.

- Pakistan’s arguments are not sufficient to deny rights invoked by India: International Court of Justice.

SUPRAJA