India presented its case at the International Court of Justice, Hague seeking cancellation of Pakistan’s death sentence on Kulbhushan Jadhav.
Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April 2017 on charges of espionage and terrorism. The International Court of Justice asked Pakistan to hold off the execution till it reaches its final verdict in the case.
India was represented by senior advocate Harish Salve, he said the case rests mainly on two points – the breach of Vienna Convention by Pakistan, and “with regard to the relief to be granted”.
Salve said Pakistan is “embarrassed” to disclose the judgment in the case.
Mr. Salve said, “Pakistan’s story has always been strong on rhetoric and blurred on facts. India seeks relief that trial by military court in Pakistan fails to satisfy due processes. Jadhav’s continued custody without consular custody should be declared unlawful.”
Pakistan contended that India has not “established” Mr Jadhav’s nationality. However, Pakistan disregarded 13 applications from India to grant consular access to him. Granting of consular access is a must under the Vienna Convention and Pakistan breached it, Harish Salve told the ICJ.
India rubbished Pakistan’s claims that Jadhav was arrested on 3rd March 2016, from the restive Balochistan province, India said the retired Naval officer was kidnapped from Iran, where he was running a business.
Pakistan contended that consular access cannot be granted to spies.
The International Court of Justice will continue a four day hearing on the matter.