Pakistan must ensure Kulbhushan Jadhav is not executed: International Court of Justice

In a major victory for India at the International Court of Justice, judge Ronny Abraham today stayed Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence which was passed by a military court in Pakistan last month. (Read: The entire ICJ judgement)

The court, formally known as the International Court of Justice, is the UN's court for hearing disputes between states and its rulings are binding. At the core of the dispute is the fate of Jadhav, a former officer in the Indian navy who was arrested in March 2016 in the Pakistani province of Baluchistan. Pakistan captured him and accused him of spying and espionage. India rejected Pakistan claim as the case reached the international court.

The judge while delivering the verdict said, "Without prejudging the result of any appeal, the court considers that the mere fact that Mr Jadhav is under such a sentence and might be executed shows there might be such a risk of his execution."

On Pakistan's argument that the case does not come under the Vienna convention, the judge said: "the court considers it has prima facie jurisdiction in the case".

"Court will take all measures to ensure Mr Jadhav is not executed," the court declared.

"Pakistan will inform the court the measures it is taking to ensure Kulbhushan Jadhav's protection," the judge said.

READ LIVE UPDATE: International Court of Justice stays Kulbhushan Jadhav's execution: Live updates

(WION)