June 21, 2016

In response to a query regarding Hyderabad Funds Case, the Official Spokesperson said:

"In the pre-trial judgement in a case pertaining to the monies from the erstwhile state of Hyderabad lying in a UK bank since late 1940s, an English court has dismissed Pakistan's application invoking limitation against India's claim to the monies. The judgement states that Pakistan's application for summary disposal of the claim in her favour must fail. The costs for the failure of this application of Pakistan will be awarded to India.

The legal action in the matter, currently sub-judice, was initiated by Pakistan in 2013. Pakistan's subsequent application for discontinuance of the case was rejected by the same court in 2015. India was also awarded substantial costs against Pakistan at that stage.

Pending trial or settlement of the matter, it is premature to reach any conclusion regarding ownership of the monies, especially as the present judgement readily acknowledges that there is much force in many of India's arguments to strike out Pakistan's claim of ownership."

New Delhi
June 21, 2016