In a significant setback for Indian agencies, Interpol has removed the Red Notice against a fugitive sought in connection with the 13,578-crore Punjab National Bank fraud cases from its website.
Why in news?
The individual designated as a “terrorist” by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. (UAPA).
Why did Interpol turn down India’s request?
- According to Interpol, India has failed to provide adequate information to support its case.
- The UAPA was criticized for being used to target minority groups and human rights advocates without “respecting” their right to due process and a fair trial.
- While acknowledging the separatist leader’s actions, Interpol has stated that they have a “clear political dimension” that cannot be the subject of a Red Corner Notice.
What is the Interpol?
- Interpol, or the International Criminal Police group, is an intergovernmental group with 195 member countries that assists police forces around the world in better coordinating their operations.
- It allows member nations to share and access data on crimes and criminals, as well as provide technical and operational assistance.
- It is led by a secretary general and has its headquarters in Lyon, France, as well as a global innovation center in Singapore and several satellite offices throughout the world.
- In June 1956, India ratified its participation in Interpol.
How does it work in the partner countries?
- Each member country has a National Central Bureau (NCB) that serves as the main point of contact for both the general secretariat and the other NCBs around the globe.
- Each NCB is run by police officers from that country and is typically housed in the government ministry in charge of policing. (MHA in case of India.)
- Interpol administers 19 police databases containing information on crimes and criminals (ranging from names and fingerprints to stolen passports), which countries can access in real time.
- It also provides investigative services such as forensics, analysis, and help in locating fugitives worldwide.
Red Notice
- Criminals and suspects frequently flee to other nations to avoid prosecution.
- A Red Corner Notice, also known as a Red Notice (RN), notifies police forces all over the world about fugitives who are sought on a global scale.
- For fugitives sought for prosecution or to serve a sentence, Red Notices are issued.
- A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement around the world to find and arrest a person awaiting extradition, surrender, or other legal action.
- Interpol issues an RN at the request of a member nation.
Fugitive Indians on this RN
- Jeweller Mehul Choksi and diamantaire Nirav Modi are two of the most well-known Indians on this list.
Is an order for an RN issued?
- An RN is merely a notice of international wanted people; it is not an international arrest warrant.
- Individuals are not sought by Interpol; they are wanted by a country or an international tribunal.
- This implies that Interpol cannot compel law enforcement officials in any country to arrest a person named in an RN.
- Individual member countries must determine what legal value to assign to an RN, as well as the authority of their national law enforcement officers to arrest.
- According to Interpol, an RN must follow its constitution and regulations.
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/explained-what-is-interpol-s-red-corner-notice-and-why-is-it-issued-122062200068_1.html#:~:text=Red%20Notice%3A%20It%20is%20issued,are%20unable%20to%20identify%20themselves.