US judge dismisses suit against PM Modi over 2002 riots

A United States federal court in New York on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit brought against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by a rights group in connection with the 2002 riots in Gujarat, saying he enjoys immunity as the sitting head of a foreign government.

In a three-page order, US District Judge Analisa Torres ruled that in light of the determination by the executive branch of the US government that Modi is entitled to immunity as the sitting head of a foreign government, "he is immune from the jurisdiction of this court in this suit.”

"The complaint is dismissed," and the court clerk is "directed to close the case," Torres said.

Rights group American Justice Centre had brought the action against Modi, alleging claims under the Torture Victim Protection Act and Alien Tort Statute based on acts committed while Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat in 2002.

In October 2014, the United States had filed a 'Suggestion of lmmunity' which said that "The Department of State recognises and allows the immunity of Prime Minister Modi as a sitting head of government from the jurisdiction of the United States District Court in this suit."

Read the complete judgment here!