Diplomatic Immunity

What is Diplomatic Immunity?

Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law that protects foreign government officials from the jurisdiction of local authorities and courts.
It protects diplomats, their families and their property while they are on diplomatic assignment.
It allows diplomats to carry out their work without hindrance.
It protects them from prosecution, arrest, and other legal proceedings in the country they are working in.
Diplomats also do not have to pay taxes in the country they are working in.
Diplomatic immunity does not prevent the host country from expelling the diplomat.

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961

It is an international treaty that establishes rules and principles for diplomatic relations between countries.
It is ratified by 193 countries.
India passed the Diplomatic Relations (Vienna Convention) Act of 1972 to ratify it.

Important Articles

Article-29: It provides diplomats immunity from arrest or detention. Their private residences are also protected under Article 30.
Article-31: It provides diplomats with immunity from the criminal jurisdiction of the host state.
Article-26: The host nation must ensure freedom of movement and travel in its territory for diplomats.
Article-27: It allows the diplomatic mission to send and receive documents and necessary materials without being opened or inspected by the host country.