Question

In Kulbhushan Jadhav’s case between India and Pakistan before the International Court of Justice, the 15-1 majority found Pakistan to be in violation of obligations under which international law instrument ?

• A. Vienna Convention on Consular Relations
• B. International Convention on Civil and Political Rights
• C. United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners
• D. United Nations Convention Against Torture

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) found Pakistan to be in violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. This convention, adopted in 1963, establishes the framework for consular relations between independent states, particularly outlining the rights of foreign nationals to have access to and communicate with consular officers when they are incarcerated, detained, or on trial in a foreign country. In this particular case, the violation stemmed from Pakistan's failure to inform Mr. Jadhav of his rights under this convention and allowing him access to Indian consular officers. The ICJ's decision, made with a 15-1 majority, underscores the importance of ensuring compliance with international legal obligations as stipulated by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, a treaty ratified by a majority of the world's nations, committed to maintaining the rights and protections for foreign nationals abroad.