Wife-beater envoy’s immunity to stay

The government has decided not to drop diplomatic immunity against Anil Verma, senior envoy accused of wife-beating in London, as that would make him vulnerable to police action in London.

Verma, who was earlier the private secretary to finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, has been recalled by the government despite British foreign office in London’s continued requests for waiver of diplomatic immunity against him.

“The foreign office does not tolerate diplomats working in the UK breaking the law. We can confirm that we have formally requested the waiver of diplomatic immunity for a diplomat posted at the Indian high commission in London. In addition, foreign office officials have met staff of the Indian high commission in London to discuss the matter and to emphasise the serious nature of the allegations,” the British foreign office in London said in a statement.

The diplomatic immunity will make sure that he comes back unharmed. However, as per legal experts, the officer would face criminal proceedings in India if his wife lodges complain for cruelty and domestic violence or if the department of personnel and training (DoPT) takes suo moto action against him based on prima facie evidence.

Verma may also face departmental proceedings for professional misconduct.

The ministry of external affairs could also relieve Verma from his post and ask him to report back to DoPT, the parent ministry, which handles the posting of IAS officers.