New Delhi: The Indian government has 60 days to appeal in the highest court against the varying quantum of sentences awarded by the Qatar's Court of Appeal which has commuted the death sentence handed down to the 8 Ex-Navy personnel in an alleged espionage case a week ago, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
The verdict of Qatar's Court of Appeal came weeks after the family members of the Indians filed an appeal against the earlier order by another court.
The Navy veterans were on October 26 given death sentences by Qatar's Court of First Instance in the case.
Addressing a weekly press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "The legal team has the order of the court, and the government is in touch with the legal team and family members for further action."
"The court order clarifies that the death penalty is overturned and there are varying quantums of sentences. We have 60 days to appeal in the highest court," said Randhir Jaiswal.
The statement comes after the death sentence of eight former Indian Navy officials commuted by a court of appeal in Qatar on December 28.
The former Indian Navy officers were employees of Al Dahra Global Technologies. It is a private firm that provides training and other services to Qatar's armed forces and security agencies.
On the extradition request to Pakistan to hand over 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government has submitted all the required documents to Pakistan for his extradition.
"I hope that Pakistan will consider it," he added.
On the issue of the Iran bombings, the MEA Spokesperson said, "We condemn this incident. We stand with the people of Iran and the government. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Iran."
When asked about the Supreme Cout junking plea for consular access to Nikhil Gupta, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We haven’t seen the order of Apex Court, and can’t say anything.
"We are yet to see the formal order of the Top Court," he said.
On Indian nationals getting extortion calls in Canada, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Indians getting extortion calls in Canada is concerning to us, and we have other security issues that has to be discussed.
Giving details about External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to Nepal, Randhir Jaiswal said, "EAM is there in Nepal on Thursday and Friday( today & tomorrow).
He informed that Jaishankar has called upon the President and PM of Nepal and will be chairing the India-Nepal joint meeting.
The EAM, along with Foreign Minister of Nepal N P Saud co-chaired the 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting held in Kathmandu on Thursday.
