PIL Urges SC To Halt Arms Exports To Israel

A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a ban on the export of arms and military equipment from Indian firms to Israel amid its ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The PIL, submitted by lawyer Prashant Bhushan, demands that the Centre cancel existing licenses and refuse to issue new ones to companies exporting such equipment.

The plea, filed by 11 individuals including Ashok Kumar Sharma from Noida, argues that India must adhere to international laws and treaties prohibiting the supply of military weapons to countries committing war crimes. The petitioners claim that supplying military equipment to Israel, including from a public sector enterprise, breaches India’s international obligations and constitutional rights under Articles 14 and 21.

The petition calls for a writ of mandamus or any suitable order to the Union of India to halt the export of arms and military equipment to Israel. It cites a recent International Court of Justice ruling from January 26, 2024, which imposed provisional measures on Israel for violations related to the Gaza Strip under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The ICJ decision includes a directive for an immediate halt to military actions against Palestinians.

In response, United Nations experts have cautioned against transferring weapons to Israel, warning that such actions could be seen as supporting human rights violations and international crimes, including genocide.

The plea also highlights the severe impact of the conflict, noting the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. This follows a significant escalation on October 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack, crossing Gaza’s border into Israel and killing about 1,200 people.

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