New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a petition seeking the cancellation of all licenses for the export of arms and ammunition by India to Israel, saying “it cannot interfere in foreign policy matters of the government of India as it is conducted on issues based on political expediency.”
Petitioner sought cancellation of all export licenses allowing export of arms, ammunition from India to Israel
This observation by the court comes on a petition filed by one Ashok Kumar Sharma, who sought cancellation of all export licenses, old and new, that allow the export of arms and ammunition from India to Israel, as these arms are likely to be used by Israel to commit genocide on the people of Palestine.
It will not be in line with foreign policy as such decisions at policy level are taken with sound rationale: Apex court
Refusing to get embroiled in this delicate matter, the Supreme court of India said, “If the court takes over this function it could lead to lead to issuance of injunctive relief which will not be in line with the foreign policy as such decisions at policy level are taken with sound rationale. And any observations made may impact the conduct of India’s foreign policy or any sovereign nation who are not amenable to our jurisdiction.”
Can Supreme court of India say that government shall not source oil from Russia, Apex court asked
Earlier during the hearing advocate Prashant Bhushan impressed on the court that in the backdrop of ongoing hostilities by Israel on Palestinian people in Gaza Strip, India was exporting arms to Israel.
This amounts to export of arms to a country committing genocide and those arms will be used for committing genocide by Israel on people in Gaza and international court of Justice has said that Israel is indulging in Genocide, added Bhushan.
However, the supreme court was not impressed with the argument and said that could the court direct government of India to stop importing Oil from Russia in the backdrop of a war going on between Ukraine and Russia.
Chief Justice of India said, “Russia is supplying oil to India. Can Supreme court of India say that government shall not source oil from Russia because some one says that Russia is in violation of Genocide convention- we cannot because its matter pertaining to conduct of foreign policy policy and self respect.”
