Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INTERPOL
Mains level: Read the attached story
Why in the News?
Concerns arise over the misuse of Interpol notices, especially blue corner notices, raising issues about balancing police cooperation and preventing abuse of power.
About INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization)
| Details | |
| Overview |
|
| Functions |
|
| Working |
|
| India’s Membership |
|
| Functioning in Member Countries |
|
What are Blue Corner Notice?
- Types of Notices: Interpol issues seven types of notices, including Blue Notice.
- Purpose: Blue corner notice, also known as an “enquiry notice,” facilitates sharing critical crime-related information, including criminal records verification and locating individuals.
- Example: In January 2020, Interpol issued a blue corner notice to locate fugitive Nithyananda, a self-styled godman.
Distinguishing Blue from Red Corner Notice
- Red Corner Notice: It is issued by a member state for the arrest of a wanted criminal, often following criminal convictions, allowing arrests in any member state.
- Difference: Blue notices precede criminal charges, while red notices typically follow convictions. Red notices enable arrests and other consequences like bank account closures, while blue notices facilitate information exchange.
Examples of Notice Issuance
- Red Corner Notice: In 2018, a red corner notice was issued against Nirav Modi for the Punjab National Bank scam.
- Interpol’s Decision: However, in October 2022, Interpol rejected India’s request for a red notice against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, citing insufficient information and political dimensions.
Concerns of Misuse
- Political Misuse: Despite Interpol’s prohibition on political activities, concerns persist regarding its enforcement.
- Instances: Russia, China, Iran, Turkey, and Tunisia face accusations of abusing Interpol notices for political purposes.
- Criticism: While Interpol tightened oversight of red notices, vulnerabilities remain, especially with blue notices, which experts suggest are less scrutinized before publication.
Debates on Notice Issuance
- Turkey’s Argument: Countries like Turkey argue against excessive restraint in notice issuance, citing hampered police cooperation and sovereignty concerns.
- Global Response: International human rights groups call for stricter enforcement of Interpol’s rules to prevent authoritarian exploitation.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
