What Legal Remedies Are Available Against An Extradition Order?

Extradition involves complex legal and procedural steps, and to protect individual rights, Indian law provides multiple remedies to challenge or review extradition orders. These remedies help ensure that extradition is not carried out arbitrarily or in violation of legal and human rights standards.

Legal Remedies Against an Extradition Order

Challenge Before the Magistrate

• Under the Extradition Act, 1962, the magistrate conducts a preliminary inquiry and decides whether to commit the accused for extradition.
• The accused can challenge the evidence or grounds for extradition at this stage.

Judicial Review and Appeals

• The magistrate’s order committing a person for extradition is subject to judicial review.
• The accused may file writ petitions or appeals in higher courts challenging the legality or fairness of the order.

Habeas Corpus Petition

• The accused can file a habeas corpus petition in the High Court or Supreme Court seeking release from custody if extradition procedures are flawed or unlawful.
• This petition challenges the legality of detention pending extradition.

Challenge Based on Human Rights Grounds

• The accused can argue that extradition would violate rights protected under Indian law or international conventions, such as risk of torture, unfair trial, or political persecution.
• Courts take these factors seriously and may refuse extradition on such grounds.

Diplomatic Intervention and Assurances

• Sometimes, legal challenges are supplemented by diplomatic efforts seeking assurances from the requesting country regarding treatment of the accused.
• Such assurances can form part of the judicial assessment.

Review of Evidence and Prima Facie Case

• The court examines whether the evidence presented establishes a prima facie case, ensuring extradition is not granted on mere suspicion or insufficient proof.

Right to Legal Representation

• The accused is entitled to legal counsel during extradition proceedings and appeals, safeguarding fair process.

Example

If a person arrested in India faces extradition to Country B on fraud charges but fears unfair trial or political persecution, they can challenge the magistrate’s order in the High Court, file a habeas corpus petition against unlawful detention, and present evidence of human rights violations to prevent extradition.