Shahzadi Khan’s father, Shabbir Khan.
Story so far: On March 3, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) informed that Indian national Shahzadi Khan, who was sentenced to death in the UAE for suspected murder of a baby, had been executed. The Ministry’s confirmation is a response to a petition filed by her father, Shabbir Khan. In less than a week, the ministry confirmed that two other Indian nationals convicted in different cases were executed in the UAE.
How many people are there in the death cell abroad?
According to data disclosed by Rajya Sabha on March 20, a total of 49 Indians are currently on death row. The number of Indians sentenced to death by foreign courts is the highest in the UAE, with 25 Indian nationals waiting for sentences, followed by Saudi Arabia 11.
What was India’s reaction?
In its reply to Rajya Sabha, the MEA mentioned that the missionary missions abroad provided all possible assistance to Indian citizens sentenced by foreign courts.
In explaining the MEA’s approach to such cases, Talmiz Ahmad, former Indian ambassador to Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia, said: “There are three procedures. First, there are arrests and indictments by the police authorities. Second, there are extended judicial procedures. The judicial proceedings are the third element of the ruler or ruler. The judicial proceedings have been completed and the judge announced the judgment after that, and the only thing available to the embassy or the person concerned is to appeal to the ruler.” The appeal for pardon was made by a member of the defendant’s family who directed them to submit a petition if the family is located in India. The Indian Embassy then forwarded the petition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asking it to be taken to the attention of the rulers.
In many Gulf countries, commuting can also be exchanged for blood. Blood money refers to compensation paid to the victim’s family in place of retribution. However, it must be accepted by both the state and the victimized family. In some cases, the state may refuse to trade sentences for blood through the nature of the crime.
Can the embassy do more?
In very exceptional cases, such as murder, rape and treason. In countries with a despotic system with little transparent judicial proceedings, such as Saudi Arabia, the Indian embassy has not been informed of any information about arrest or judicial proceedings or the declaration of a death sentence. The embassy will receive formal notes on details of Indian nationals only after execution. When the defendant confesses to the crime, the role of the embassy is further limited – its situation is usually still unknown. On the other hand, in countries with a relatively open judicial system, embassies can nominate lawyers. It also uses welfare funds to provide legal services to those who need it whenever it is needed.
Has India successfully intervened in the past?
The government has successfully intervened in several situations. In February last year, eight Indian Navy veterans sentenced to death by the Katari government were released after the Indian government’s diplomatic efforts and appealed in the High Court. Gurdip Singh, an Indian national, was sentenced to death by the Tanglan court in 2005 for drug trafficking. Singh’s appeal was rejected by the Banten High Court and later the Supreme Court. However, he survived due to the intervention of the Indian government.
publishing – March 26, 2025 at 08:30 am IST
