ICJ order serious indictment of Pakistan's judicial system: Arun Jaitley

SRINAGAR: Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley termed the decision of International Court of Justice at Hague as victory of the rule of law vindicating India’s position.

The ICJ’s interim decision, Jailtley said has brought a great sense of relief and also happiness in India and is a ‘serious indictment of the kind of mockery in the name of judicial system that exists in Pakistan.’

“Any form of judicial proceeding which is conducted in secrecy and darkness and is not open for any public gaze lacks the very appearance of justice,” Jaitley told reporters in Srinagar on the sidelines of the GST council meeting.

Secret proceedings conducted in darkness are conspiratorial in nature, said Jaitley adding, “Denial of consular access only emphasizes that denial.”

This proceeding and order, the finance minister said, highlights the importance of the fact that the person allegedly accused has right of effective defense, which includes providing consular access.

The finance minister praised foreign minister Sushma Swaraj for piloting the strategy at Hague and advocate Harish Salve for effectively arguing the matter.

When asked about Pakistan’s rejection of the ICJ order, Jaitley said, that country then has to be ready to put itself in a position violating all cannons of the international law.

On the continued volatile situation in Kashmir, Jaitley informed that he has detailed meeting with chief of Army staff in Srinagar on Wednesdya night, and they were confident of dealing with the situation.

“Situation in some parts of the state is very challenging. It is certainly far normal than what media was conveying to us,” said Jaitley.

The incidents of killings or violence, Jaitley, while answering a question about injustice in Valley, said, cannot be compared with the ICJ proceedings.