What Is The Limitation Period For Extradition Requests?

The limitation period for extradition requests determines the time frame within which a requesting country must formally seek the surrender of a fugitive. This period is crucial to ensure timely justice and prevent indefinite legal uncertainty for the accused.

Limitation Period for Extradition Requests in India

No Explicit Time Limit in the Extradition Act, 1962

• The Extradition Act itself does not specify a fixed limitation period for filing extradition requests.
• This means there is no statutory bar on the time elapsed since the alleged offense when a request can be made.

Dependence on Bilateral or Multilateral Treaties

• Most extradition treaties to which India is a party stipulate a limitation period within which the request must be made.
• These treaty provisions vary, commonly ranging from 1 year to 5 years or more after the commission of the offense.

Relevance of the Nature of Offense

• For certain serious crimes, especially those without limitation periods under domestic criminal law (like murder or terrorism), treaties may allow extradition requests beyond typical time limits.
• For lesser offenses, limitation periods may be strictly applied.

Effect of Delay on Extradition

• Excessive delay in making an extradition request may lead Indian courts to refuse the request, citing abuse of process or prejudice against the accused.
• Courts assess if the delay causes hardship or impairs the accused’s ability to defend themselves.

Judicial Discretion

• Indian courts have discretion to consider the facts and circumstances, including reasons for delay and treaty terms, before deciding on the admissibility of a request.
• A delay alone does not automatically bar extradition unless it is unreasonable or prejudicial.

Diplomatic Notes and Formal Requests

• The date on which the formal diplomatic note or request is received and processed can affect the limitation calculation.
• The Central Government ensures compliance with treaty timelines and informs courts accordingly.

Limitation in Related Legal Systems

• Comparatively, some jurisdictions impose strict limitation periods for extradition to avoid stale claims, which India considers while negotiating treaties.

Example

If a foreign country requests India to extradite a person accused of financial fraud committed eight years ago, the court will examine the treaty’s limitation clause and whether the delay prejudices the accused. If the treaty allows extradition within ten years and no prejudice is found, the request may be accepted.