Supreme Court Petition Demands Halt on Indian Arms Exports to Israel amid Gaza Conflict

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court by lawyer Prashant Bhushan, seeking to cancel existing licenses and halt new ones for Indian firms exporting military equipment to Israel. The plea argues that these exports violate international human rights laws and India's constitutional obligations, citing recent ICJ rulings and ongoing conflict in Gaza.

A PIL has been submitted to the Supreme Court, urging an immediate halt to the issuance of licenses permitting Indian arms exports to Israel. The plea, filed by lawyer Prashant Bhushan, implicates the union ministry of defence.

It cites India's obligations under multiple international laws and treaties prohibiting the supply of military weapons to states involved in war crimes. The plea, representing 11 petitioners including Noida resident Ashok Kumar Sharma, claims these exports violate both international legislation and India's constitutional articles 14 and 21.

The plea emphasizes that the International Court of Justice has ordered provisional measures against Israel for its actions in Gaza. United Nations experts have also warned that arms transfers to Israel may constitute serious international humanitarian law violations. India is urged to align its domestic law with its international commitments.

(With inputs from agencies.)