Pannun ‘assassination’ plot: SC rejects plea for consular access to Nikhil Gupta, says, ‘Centre to decide’
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist. As reported by ANI, the petition sought consular access, legal aid, and updates on the ongoing extradition proceedings in the Czech Republic. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta said it's a “sensitive" matter and it is for the Central government to take a call if it wants to intervene on the issue.
The bench said, “It should respect the jurisdiction of the foreign court where the matter is pending." "There is nothing much we can do. This is an international matter, and all aspects are covered under the Vienna Convention. If consular access is not granted, authorities can be approached directly.
However, as per your own list of dates, consular access was given to you twice," the bench told C Aryama Sundaram, representing the kin of Gupta. Also Read: Pannun murder plot accused Nikhil Gupta arrested on ‘America’s request', says Czech ministry Sundaram contended that being an Indian citizen, Gupta possesses the right to seek assistance from his country. He asserted that Gupta has not been granted consular access and is currently held in solitary confinement.
"It's a sensitive matter, and let the government decide on this," Justice Khanna said. Sundaram said he would approach the Centre to treat this petition as a representation and sought the court's direction to ask the government to consider his representation. To this, the bench said, “It is for the Central government to decide whether to intervene in the matter or not." Also Read: Nikhil Gupta 'forced' to eat beef in Czech, Hindu beliefs 'violated', says plea in Supreme Court A Habeas Corpus petition was submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of Gupta, who is presently held in custody in the Czech
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