54 Indian soldiers lodged in PAK jails, SC seeks response from Center

After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Central Government on a petition seeking the return of Indian soldiers lodged in Pakistani jails. The petition has been filed by Jasbir Kaur, wife of Major General Kanwaljit Singh. Major Kanwaljit Singh is in illegal custody of Pakistan as a prisoner of war for the last 50 years. In the petition, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Defense and the Chief of Army Staff have been made parties.

Jasbir Kaur has said in the petition that in the last 50 years, at least 54 Indian soldiers are in illegal custody of Pakistan. Such evidence has been found, which proves that they are being harassed defying all local, international laws. Their fundamental rights are being violated. It has been said in the petition that there is a bilateral treaty between India and Pakistan.

The petition has demanded from the court that it should ask the Central Government to provide a list of all the Indian soldiers who were to be sent back to India.. but have not been sent yet. Also, the court should direct the Government of India to approach the International Court of Justice for the release of Indian soldiers illegally detained in violation of the Geneva Treaty.