Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India summons Pakistan's deputy high commissioner

New Delhi: India today summoned the Pakistan deputy high commissioner in connection with Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence by a military court there and made a fresh demand for consular access to the retired Indian Navy officer, two days after Pakistan army ruled out access to him.

Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haidar Shah was called by the external affairs ministry which reiterated that Jadhav was innocent and false charges were framed against him, according to sources.

The Pakistan diplomat was also told that not giving consular access to Jadhav amounted to violation of human rights as well international norms as the two countries have a bilateral agreement on consular access.

Upping the ante, Pakistan army had on Monday ruled out consular access to 46-year-old Jadhav, days after India had made a strong case for access to the Indian prisoner on death row.

Indian envoy Gautam Bambawale had met the Pakistan foreign secretary last week and demanded a certified copy of the charge sheet and the army court order in the case, besides consular access to the retired Indian Navy officer.

"We definitely want to appeal against the judgement but we cannot do it unless we have the details of charges and a copy of verdict. So, my demand was that the details of the charge sheet and a copy of the verdict be provided to us," Bambawale had said after the meeting.

Expressing disappointment over Pakistan turning down India's request for consular access to Jadhav, the Indian envoy had also said, "They have denied our request for consular access 13 times (in the last one year).

"I have forcefully asked for consular access on the basis of the international law and on humanitarian grounds as he is an Indian national."