To curb the escape of economic offenders and terrorists, India is considering a significant overhaul of its fugitive repatriation strategy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has proposed the establishment of state-of-the-art, special prisons in every Indian state, designed to meet international standards. This initiative aims to counter the defense often used by fugitives in foreign courts: the argument of poor prison conditions and potential human rights violations in India. By ensuring world-class facilities, India seeks to neutralize this common legal loophole.
Furthermore, Shah suggested a more immediate measure: the cancellation of passports for individuals against whom an Interpol Red Notice has been issued. This move would effectively block their international travel and prevent them from evading justice by fleeing to other countries. The Home Minister emphasized that with current technology, this is an achievable step that will significantly aid in bringing fugitives back to face trial.
The push for these measures comes as India currently has 338 extradition requests pending with various nations. These requests pertain to individuals wanted for a range of crimes, including financial fraud, terrorism, and drug trafficking. The proposed changes are expected to strengthen India’s position in its pursuit of justice for those who have absconded abroad after committing crimes that impact the nation’s economy, sovereignty, and security. A scientific database detailing fugitive information, including crime type, location, and repatriation status, is also recommended to be developed and shared across all states.
