The International Court of Justice at The Hague conveyed its verdict on the famous case of Kulbhushan Jadhav. It was around 6:30 in the evening on Wednesday, i.e. 17th July, 2019 when the 16 judge bench began to pronounce its decision and it momentarily became unblemished that the decree pronounced was in India's favour, which can be called as a huge victory for the country. Not only did the International Court of Justice reiterate the stay on the death sentence for Jadhav, it even granted India's request as well as the entreaty for consular access to the former Indian Naval officer.
 
 This decision was welcomed by the honourable Prime Minister of India along with the entire nation. He verbatim said, We welcome today's verdict in ICJ. Truth and justice have prevailed. Congratulations to the ICJ for a verdict based on extensive study of facts. I am sure Kulbhushan Jadhav will get justice. Our Government will always work for the safety and welfare of every Indian.
 
 The Court was of the view that Pakistan was under the obligation to cease the acts related to the death sentence of Jadhav and also, had to comply the fully with its obligations under article 36 of the Vienna Convention. As per the same, Pakistan had to immediately inform Jadhav of his rights as per Article 36 para 1(b). The Court also allowed the Indian consular officers to have access to him and also to arrange specific and sufficient legal representation for him.
 
 Another important point in this regard is that Advocate Harish Salve, who represented India at the International Court Justice, verbatim said: The order assures a fair trial. There is, in fact, an obligation of result on Pakistan. And if the trial is not fair, we can go back and knock the doors of the ICJ.
 
 It has to be noted that the International Court of Justice also stated that Pakistan had violated the Vienna Convention. The honourable bench said that they had violated Article 36 of the Vienna Convention of Consular Relations, 1963, by not notifying India about Jadhav’s arrest proximately after the Pakistan Army had taken him into custody.
 
 Written by: Shreya Saxena