In a big boost to India, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday told Pakistan that former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been accused of spying by Islamabad, is not to be executed till a final decision is taken.

President of the court Ronny Abraham also told Pakistan that consular access should have been given to Jadhav. “Jadhav’s case falls under the Vienna convention,” the court said and added that it had jurisdiction in the case.

The court accepted India's plea. “Pakistan shall take all measures to ensure Jadhav isn’t executed pending final decision on these proceedings,” said Abraham who read out the order.

He said that the decision to stay Kulbhushan Jadhav’s execution pending the final order is unanimous.
Minutes after the ICJ order, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said in New Delhi that he hopes the final decision also comes India’s way and Jadhav is able to come back home.

Read: Online petition to save Kulbhushan Jadhav

New Delhi had moved the court on May 15 as an emergency measure and exhorted the court to halt the execution of Jadhav. Pakistan claims that it arrested Jadhav in Balochistan province last year and accused him of being a spy. He was convicted by a military court and sentenced to death.

India has hotly contested the Pakistani claims and repeatedly sought consular access. Pakistan had denied consular access.

Read: UN panel criticises Pakistan’s military courts