ICJ stays Kulbhushan Jadhav's execution till final order

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 18 May 2017 stayed the execution of Kulbhushan Jadhav till its final decision. Ruling in favour of India, the Court asked Pakistan to keep it informed about the measures, including on consular access, taken by it in this connection.

Reading out the verdict at The Hague, Netherlands, ICJ President Ronny Abraham said that India has the right to consular access to Jadhav under Vienna convention. He said the court considers that it has prima facie jurisdiction in the matter as there is a dispute between the parties.

He said acts alleged by India fall in the Vienna convention which guarantees state to be given access to its citizen. He added the rights invoked by India under the Vienna Convention are plausible.

After the order, the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the ICJ order has come as a great relief to the family of Kulbhushan Jadhav and people of India. She also said that the union government is grateful to Harish Salve for presenting India's case so effectively before ICJ.

Swaraj assured the nation that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the government will leave no stone unturned to save Jadhav.

In addition to this, the decision of the International Court of Justice was hailed by Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu. He said that the decision is a major victory for India.

In a tweet, Naidu said the World Court has upheld India's right to consular access and put a stay on death execution. He said justice has prevailed in the matter.