Can A Person Be Retried In India After Being Extradited?

Extradition is the legal process by which one country surrenders a person to another country for prosecution or punishment for crimes committed in the requesting country. India, like many other nations, abides by the principle of speciality, which restricts the prosecution of an extradited individual only to the offenses for which they were extradited. However, there are nuances under Indian and international law regarding whether and when such a person can be retried or prosecuted for additional charges.

Legal Framework Governing Extradition and Retrial

Indian Extradition Act, 1962

This law governs extradition in India and outlines procedures for both requesting and surrendering individuals. It incorporates provisions that honor the principle of speciality, meaning an extradited person cannot be tried for offenses other than those approved by the extraditing country.

Principle of Speciality

This international law principle prevents prosecuting an extradited individual for any crime other than what they were extradited for, unless the extraditing country consents. This helps maintain trust and transparency in international legal cooperation.

Exceptions to the Principle

• If the person voluntarily stays in India beyond a certain period post-trial.
• If the person commits new offenses after being extradited.
• If the extraditing country gives explicit consent for additional prosecution.

Double Jeopardy and Retrial

Indian law under Article 20(2) of the Constitution and Section 300 of CrPC prohibits double jeopardy—being tried twice for the same offense. However, this does not bar prosecution for distinct offenses not covered in the original extradition request.

Extradition Treaties and Bilateral Agreements

The scope of retrial is often detailed in extradition treaties. India’s treaties with various countries (like the USA, UK, UAE, etc.) include provisions about what happens post-extradition, including any consent required for additional charges.

Judicial Interpretation

Indian courts, including the Supreme Court, have upheld the sanctity of the speciality principle, unless exceptions are clearly applicable or permission is granted by the extraditing nation.

Common Challenges in Retrial Post Extradition

Consent from the Extraditing Nation

If India wishes to prosecute for additional offenses, it must request and obtain formal consent from the original extraditing country.

Human Rights Concerns

Some countries may refuse extradition or additional consent if there is a risk of death penalty or inhumane treatment in India.

Delays and Legal Complications

Navigating international bureaucracy and getting approval for retrial can be time-consuming and legally complex.

Example

Suppose an individual named R is extradited from the UK to India to face trial for fraud charges. After the trial begins, Indian investigators discover that R was also involved in money laundering, which was not mentioned in the original extradition request.

Steps Indian authorities must take:

• Review the Extradition Treaty with the UK to see if retrial for additional offenses is allowed with consent.
• Submit a formal request to the UK government for consent to prosecute R for money laundering.
• Wait for the UK’s decision. If the UK denies consent, India cannot legally proceed with the new charges.
• Proceed with new charges only after receiving explicit approval from the UK.
• Avoid retrial for the same offense under Article 20(2) and Section 300 CrPC to comply with double jeopardy protection.