Goa, Nov. 18 -- As political tension deepens in Bangladesh, the question of whether India can legally refuse a request to extradite Sheikh Hasina has become a subject of regional debate. India and Bangladesh signed an extradition treaty in January 2013, laying down clear guidelines on when a country may accept or decline such a request. The treaty allows extradition for serious offences, including those punishable with at least one year of imprisonment. However, it also includes strong safeguards that give New Delhi legal grounds to refuse, depending on the circumstances.

Under the treaty, India may decline extradition if the request appears politically motivated or if the accused faces persecution on account of political opinions. If In...