The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea submitted by an unidentified family member of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who is accused in a US court for allegedly plotting an assassination attempt in New York. The petitioner sought consular access and legal aid for Gupta to challenge his indictment and extradition.
The apex court stated that it is a “sensitive issue” and deferred the decision to the Government of India, asserting, “Considering the principles of public international law and comity of courts, we are restrained from intervening.” The court further highlighted the importance of respecting the jurisdiction of foreign courts.
Also Read: ‘Approach Czech court’: Supreme Court to family of Nikhil Gupta accused in Pannun murder plot
Nikhil Gupta, a Delhi-based businessman, was arrested in the Czech Republic in 2023, facing charges in the US for conspiring to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist leader. According to US authorities, Gupta collaborated with a government agent and allegedly hired an undercover cop, disguised as a hitman, to carry out the plot.
New Delhi said it was looking into the allegations as they were very serious and constituted a probe panel, HT reported.
Also Read: Arrest of Indian National for Alleged Assassination Plot in the United States: Who is Nikhil Gupta?
Gupta’s family moved the Supreme Court, contending that he was subjected to isolation in jail and compelled to consume meat and pork against his will.
“From the outset, the petitioner contends that the circumstances surrounding his arrest were marked by irregularities, with no formal arrest warrant presented, and the apprehension executed by self-claimed US agents rather than local Czech authorities,” HT quoted the petition as saying.
It further highlighted the absence of any presented arrest warrant during the initial detention, with Gupta finding himself in the custody of individuals purporting to represent US interests.
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