Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether a number of persons of Indian origin are languishing in jails in various countries across the world;

(b) if so, the details thereof, country-wise;

(c) the number of such persons languishing in jails even after completing their terms in the jails;

(d) whether the Government has taken up the matter with the respective countries to secure the release of such prisoners; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) of LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 115 REGARDING “INDIANS IN JAILS” FOR ANSWER ON 17.08.2012(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) As per available information, country-wise details in respect of Indian nationals languishing in jails abroad areattached. Some foreign governments do not provide details of foreign prisoners in their jails because of their strict privacy law.

(c) It is reported that 3 Indian civil prisoners and 108 Indian fishermen are languishing in jails in Pakistan even after completing their sentence.

(d) & (e) During high level interactions as well as through its Mission in Pakistan, the Government of India has repeatedly taken up with the Government of Pakistan the question of early release of Indian civil prisoners and fishermen. Due to the consistent efforts of the Government of India, a Indo-Pakistan Judiciary Committee has been set up consisting of retired Judges of Superior Judiciary from India and Pakistan to recommend measures for humane treatment and expeditious release of prisoners, who have completed their prison term.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220219945.

Miscellaneous

South Asia