Extradite Indian citizen to US for drug trafficking: SC
New Delhi, Dec 13 (UNI) The Supreme Court has cleared the decks for extradition of the owner of an event management company to the United States to face trial for drug trafficking in that country.
A bench comprising Justices S B Sinha and Harjeet Singh Bedi, yesterday dismissed the appeal of Sarabjit Rick Singh, challenging Delhi High Court judgment upholding the order of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate New Delhi, recommending his extradition to Texas, US.
Singh was arrested on November 2002 pursuant to the request made by the government of US for his extradition to that country as he was facing allegations of conspiring in aiding and abetting the sale and supply of MDMA, a controlled substance and other offensive substances. He is said to be one of the members of a criminal organisation involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.
His company was also promoting clubs into organising cultural events and shows in various parts of US for a long time.
India has extradition treaty with US under the provisions of International Treaty vis-a-vis the Extradition Act, 1962.
An arrest warrant was issued by US District Court for southern district of Texas.
The petitioner challenged the order of the High Court on the ground that his extradition must have been recommended only on the basis of some evidence admissible under Indian Evidence Act and fundamental right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constituiton of India was at stake.
The extradition Treaty between the two countries was entered into on July 21, 1999.
The
apex
court
in
its
judgment
noted
''Section
10
of
the
Act
clearly
provides
that
any
exhibit
or
deposition
which
may
be
received
in
evidence
need
not
be
taken
in
the
presence
of
the
person
against
whom
they
are
used
or
otherwise.
It
also
contemplates
the
copies
of
such
exhibits
and
depositions
and
official
certificates
of
facts
and
judicial
documents
stating
facts
would,
if
dually
authenticated
be
received
as
evidence.''
The
court
also
noted
that
for
the
reasons
aforementioned,
''
we
are
of
the
opinion
that
no
case
has
been
made
out
for
interference
with
the
impugned
judgment.
The
appeal
is
dismissed.''
UNI
AKS/SC
AE
RP
DB1814