Qatari Court Grants Former Indian Navy Personnel a 60-Day Window to Challenge Prison Sentences

A Qatari court has provided a 60-day window for eight former Indian Navy personnel to appeal against their prison terms after the commutation of their earlier death sentences. The men were detained in August 2022 on undisclosed charges, and the Court of Appeal in Qatar, on December 28, commuted their death sentences to varying prison terms ranging from three to 25 years.

The individuals affected by this decision are Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, SK Gupta, BK Verma, Sugunakar Pakala, and sailor Ragesh. They were originally detained on charges that were not disclosed, and the recent court decision allows them a 60-day window to appeal their revised prison sentences.

The Court of Appeal initially delivered the judgment as an oral order, and the legal team assisting the eight men has received a copy of the verdict, though it is considered a confidential document. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in a media briefing that the legal team now has 60 days to decide the next course of action and whether an appeal will be made before the Court of Cassation, Qatar’s highest court.

Tiwari has reportedly been sentenced to 25 years in prison, while Ragesh has been given a three-year sentence. The remaining officers have received varying prison terms, with four handed 15-year sentences and two given 10-year sentences, according to anonymous sources familiar with the matter.

The charges against the former navy personnel have not been officially disclosed, with speculation suggesting allegations of espionage. While the commutation of the death sentences offers a lifeline for potential legal remedies, the application of a 2015 agreement between India and Qatar on the transfer of sentenced persons remains uncertain, pending clarity on Qatar’s ratification of the pact.

The Indian side is actively engaged with the families of the detained individuals and their legal team to determine the next steps. Additionally, the possibility of seeking a pardon from the Emir of Qatar, often granted during Eid festivals, is being explored.

India had previously expressed “deep shock” at the death sentences and had committed to exploring all legal options to assist the eight men, who include decorated officers that commanded frontline warships in the Indian Navy. The case has now progressed to the Court of Appeal, and further options for appeal may be considered in the Court of Cassation.