Pak ICJ allows Kulbhushan to file petition in civil court

As per the terms of the Pakistan International Court of Justice (ICJ), Kulbhushan Jadhav has been given permission to file a petition in the civil court. News agency ANI has quoted Pakistani media saying that changes are being made in the Pakistan Army Act for this. Kulbhushan is jailed in Pakistan on charges of espionage. The case was heard under the Pakistan Military Court.

Pakistan media: Pakistan, in compliance with the International Court of Justice’s condition to allow Kulbhushan Jadhav the right to file an appeal in a civilian court, is amending its Army Act accordingly. pic.twitter.com/cLqGagchHA

— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2019

According to the law of Pakistan Army, a petition cannot be filed in such cases in a civil court. According to Pak media, however, this special change is being made in case of Jadhav.

Earlier in September this year, Pakistan granted diplomatic access to Kulbhushan Jadhav for the first time as part of the ICJ decision, after which Gaurav Ahluwalia, Deputy High Commissioner of India in Islamabad met him. Jadhav has been in Pakistani custody since 2016. Jadhav is jailed in Pakistan and sentenced to death in 2017 on charges of "espionage and terrorism".