Jadhav's friends release balloons

Mumbai : With relief writ large on their faces, Kulbhushan Jadhav's childhood friends released colorful balloons as the ICJ stayed the death sentence awarded to him by a Pakistan court. There were cheers of joy and sighs of relief as Judge read out the court's decision. The ICJ has affirmed Jadhav's right to consular access and notification and directed Pakistan to provide effective review and reconsideration of his conviction and sentences.

"We are happy that the judgment went in our favour and now await Kulbhushan's return to India." Expressing satisfaction over the ICJ verdict, Jadhav'uncle said the family will be "more happy" the he returns home. "The ICJ ruling has given peace to our minds. We are happy with the verdict, which is in India's favour. But the real joy will be on the day he returns home," Jadhav told PTI.

"We have to see how Pakistan implements the ICJ ruling," he said. "We want our son back safely. He is innocent and we are all praying for his safety," he added. Vandana Pawar, wife of Jadhav's childhood friend Tulsidas Pawar, said she is "satisfied, but not happy" with the ICJ order, as Kulbhushan is still in Pakistan's custody. The ICJ could have ordered Jadhav's immediate release by withdrawing all the charges against him, she said.

"We don't know how will Pakistan follow the ICJ order and that is why we are concerned," she said. Banners and posters featuring Kulbhushan were put up near the Pruthvivandan building in Parel, where he spent his childhood. Handbills mentioning "Kulbhushan our hero" were also displayed.

People in Jadhav's native village in Satara district of western Maharashtra demanded immediate release of the retired Indian Navy officer sentenced to death by a Pakistan army court on alleged "espionage" charges.