India-Poland Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance

The Union Cabinet approved the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Governments of India and Poland to enhance capability and effectiveness of both countries in investigation and prosecution of crimes, including crimes related to terrorism.

Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties

  • Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) is a mechanism whereby countries cooperate with one another in order to provide and obtain formal assistance in prevention, suppression, investigation and prosecution of crime.
  • MLATs allow for the exchange of evidence and information in criminal and related matters between the signatory countries.
  • Nodal Agency: The Ministry of Home Affairs is the central authority in India for seeking and providing mutual legal assistance in criminal law matters.
  • Legal Basis: Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) provides for reciprocal arrangements to be made by the Central Government with the Foreign Governments with regard to the service of summons/warrants/judicial processes.
  • Significance: The Treaty will enhance effectiveness of both the countries in investigation and prosecution of crime through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. It will act as an instrument for cooperation in areas of organized crime and terror financing.

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