Kulbhushan Jadhav case | India demands unimpeded consular access amid Pakistan's 'one Pak official' condition

India has asked Pakistan to provide unimpeded consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, a day after the neighbouring country provides consular access to Jadhav following several requests made by India. Abiding by the orders of the ICJ (International Court of Justice), India has asked Pakistan to provide an environment free from the fear of intimidation and reprisal for Jadhav, sources told. However, as per sources, Pakistan's response is yet awaited in the matter. 

On Friday, it was learnt that Pakistan has levelled few terms and conditions As per the conditions, one Indian diplomat can meet Jadhav at 3.00 pm Pakistan time on Friday in the presence of one Pakistani official, the sources had added. However, this 'condition' proposed by Pakistan is in violation of the Vienna Convention. Significantly, India asked Pakistan for unconstrained access to Jadhav in the matter.

READ | India To Get Consular Access To Kulbhushan Jadhav On Friday: Pakistan

What is consular access under Vienna Convention

Under the rules of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963, India demanded consular access to Jadhav. The international treaty defines consular relations between independent states. Article 36 of the Vienna Convention states that foreign nationals who are arrested or detained be given notice without delay of their right to have their embassy or consulate notified of that arrest. 

What is the Kulbhushan Jadhav case?

49-year-old Kulbhushan Jadhav is a retired navy officer who was taken into custody by Pakistani authorities on March 3, 2016, from Iran, where he was carrying out his business operations post his retirement. However, he was shown to have been arrested in Balochistan by Pakistan. India was informed about the arrest later on March 25, 2016. He was sentenced to death by Pakistan military court alleging espionage in April 2017. Following the order by Pakistan's military court, India approached the ICJ and appealed against the arrest of Jadhav and over denial of consular access to him is in violation of provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963.

India wins big at ICJ

Earlier in July, India won a big battle at the ICJ at The Hague against Pakistan after the international court ruled in favour of India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. ICJ not only granted India consular access to him by a vote of 15:1 in favour of India, it also asked Pakistan to review and reconsider its conviction of the sentence of Jadhav.  

READ | Big: Forced To Abide By ICJ Verdict, Pakistan Grants Consular Access To Kulbhushan Jadhav. Read Statement Here