Cabinet approves accession to Hague Convention

New Delhi, Dec 21: In a decision that would establish a uniform procedure for sending, receiving and executing requests for the taking of evidence to and from the other countries, the Union Cabinet today approved accession to the Hague Convention of March 18, 1970.

The Convention relates to the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters and Designation of Central Authorities under the Convention.

The decision would benefit the parties invloved in the litigation by simplifying the process and assure greater certainty regarding admissibility of the evidence obtained before Indian courts and so facilitate speedier settlement of cases by them.

At present, there are 43 Parties to the Convention which include countries where substantial NRI and PIOs are living and countries with which India has close trade and economic relations, such as Australia, USA, UK, Germany, Russia, Sri Lanka and Singapore.

Separate bilateral agreements with States Parties, as well as those States that may join the Convention later, would be required once India becomes party to this Convention.

The Instrument of Accession will now be deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nnetherlands which is the depository for the convention.

Designation of the Ministry of Law and Justice and high cpurts in all states and Union Territories within the country as the Central Authorties under the Convention would be conveyed to the depository.

UNI