Death sentence to Kulbhushan Jadhav, if executed, will strain Indo-Pak relations more: P.J. Kurien

New Delhi [India], Apr. 12 (ANI): Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurein on Wednesday warned Pakistan of "serious consequences" if the death sentence against alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav was not revoked immediately. "As has been reported, there is no concrete evidence against Kulbhushan Jadhav. The evidences are all concocted and Pakistan should know that such an act will certainly strain the relation between Pakistan and India more and the consequences will be very serious for them," Kurein told ANI. Kurien added that all the Parliament members were with the government in taking any step to convince Pakistan of the consequences of their action. Jadhav, who has been accused by Islamabad of espionage, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on Monday, triggering tension between both the nations. Observers and experts on criminal or espionage-related laws in a majority of countries have suggested that the death sentence against Jadhav is a clear violation of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention that makes it mandatory for every government to provide consular access to an arrested foreign national by officials of his/her government. Meanwhile, Pakistan has ruled out immediate execution of the former Indian Naval officer stating that Jadhav has the right to move the Army's Court of Appeal against his conviction within 60 days, followed by submission of mercy pleas to the army chief and the president, reports the Dawn. However, a perusal of the Army Act, 1952 showed that under Section 131 of the act, an appeal could be moved within 40 days, and not 60 days. (ANI)