Czech Constitutional Court rejects Nikhil Gupta's petition against US extradition in Pannun case
- In Reports
- 09:30 PM, May 23, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Czech Republic's highest court has dismissed a petition filed by Indian national Nikhil Gupta opposing his extradition to the United States in connection with the alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. With the court's decision, the responsibility now falls on the nation's justice minister to decide on the extradition.
Nikhil Gupta, currently incarcerated in a Prague prison, faces indictment by the United States for allegedly conspiring to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The Constitutional Court's ruling on May 22 stated, "The Constitutional Court did not find any circumstance for which declaring extradition admissible would lead to a violation of any of the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms." This decision paves the way for potential extradition proceedings to proceed.
The ruling affirmed that the lower courts had duly considered factors that might impede extradition, and it dismissed assertions that the case was politically motivated. "For the complainant, this brings the proceedings before the Czech courts to an end."
The top Czech court upheld the decisions of the Municipal Court and the High Court, stating that it endorsed the general courts' rulings regarding the extradition's admissibility.
The court additionally upheld the local court's decision to deny Gupta's appeal for release from pre-trial detention. It declined to consider alternatives such as compensation for detention in the form of a monetary guarantee or a ban on travel abroad.
Gupta alleged that the courts failed to review all significant events that could potentially obstruct his extradition, according to the statement.
This development follows a renewed assertion from the US regarding its demand for accountability from the Indian government regarding the ongoing investigation into the plot to murder Pannun.
During a briefing at the White House on April 30, Vedant Patel, the State Department's Principal Deputy spokesperson, addressed the matter, emphasising ongoing dialogue and stating that the US anticipates accountability from Indian authorities.
Patel reiterated the US's expectation for accountability from the Government of India regarding the findings of the Indian inquiry committee's investigation. He acknowledged ongoing collaboration with Indian authorities and the pursuit of further updates.
Regarding a report by The Washington Post implicating an official from India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in the alleged plot, Patel affirmed, "We'll also continue to raise our concerns directly with the Indian government at senior levels."
New Delhi dismissed the claims made in The Washington Post report, with Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal labeling it as "speculative and irresponsible." Jaiswal emphasised that the report contained unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations on a significant issue. He reiterated that there is an ongoing investigation by the High-Level Committee established by the Indian government to address security concerns shared by the US government regarding organized criminal networks, terrorists, and other entities.
"Speculative and irresponsible comments on it are not helpful," Jaiswal concluded.
Image Source: The Hindu
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