This comes days after Gupta’s family approached the Supreme Court seeking its intervention in the matter.
“Any judicial authorities of the Republic of India have no jurisdiction in the matter in question, the case is under the jurisdiction of the competent authorities of the Czech Republic,” Repka said.
The United States has requested the Czech government for Gupta’s extradition, and the related proceedings are currently in progress. Nikhil Gupta has been accused by the US of working with the Indian government and hatching a plan to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
PM Modi breaks silence on Pannun’s assassination plot on US soil, Here is what he said
Nikhil Gupta’s petition in the top court alleged that he was “subjected to forced consumption of beef and pork during his detention in Czech custody.” The plea further claimed that Gupta was also denied consular access, the right to contact his family in India, and the freedom to seek legal representation.
Repka also dismissed allegations that Gupta was not being provided appropriate diet in the prison.
“If a person does not have a defence counsel in cases where must have one, a defence counsel would be immediately appointed by the competent court,” Repka told PTI in an email responding to a query.
“According to the available information, Nikhil Gupta is represented in the proceeding on his extradition to a foreign state by a defence counsel of his own choice, Petr SlepiÄka,” he said.
The ministry of external affairs on Thursday clarified that India had secured consular access three times to meet Nikhil Gupta.
“It is a legal issue. An Indian national is under the custody of the Czech Republic. The request for extradition by the US is pending there. We have had consular access three times. We are providing whatever possible consular help in the matter,” MEA said.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time responded to US allegations about India’s involvement in the assassination plot of a Sikh extremist, saying that New Delhi will look into any evidence provided by Washington.
PM Modi affirmed India’s committment to the rule of law and said that it’s ready to look into the matter if any such information is provided to it.
“If someone provides us any information, we would definitely look into it. If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law,” he said.
PM Modi’s remarks come after the White House said it was treating the alleged plot with “utmost seriousness,” and had raised the issue with the Indian government.
PM Modi, however, dismissed any diplomatic fallout over the incident.
(With agency inputs)
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
