Order exposes Pak's bogus stand, says AG

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi on Thursday said the order by the International Court of Justice vindicated the stand taken by India and exposed the “bogus” claims of Pakistan. He said the interim order was a “big step” as India’s stand was based on truth, justice and respect for human rights.

The top law officer praised attorney Harish Salve, saying he made India proud by scoring the first round of victory in Jadhav’s case. He also congratulated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the steps taken in the matter. Rohatgi said the ICJ decision will make Pakistan behave like a responsible nation and hoped that India will be provided consular access to Jadhav. “It is a pat on the back for India,” he told reporters here.

He said the “trial in camera” and stand taken by Pakistan have been completely exposed. “As far as the judgement is concerned, it is binding on both states because the final decision will decide the ultimate question of jurisdiction,” he said.

“I hope Pakistan sees sense, comes back on track, behave like a responsible nation and gives consular access. Not just that, the family should be given access to meet Jadhav,” he said.

“Let us now hope that the next step, the final one taken sometime in August, also comes India’s way and that's the time we can see that Jadhav comes back home,” he said.