Diplomatic Immunity-Sanskriti IAS

'Diplomatic Immunity' is a privilege of exemption from certain laws and taxes granted to diplomats by the country in which they are posted. The custom was formed so that diplomats can function without fear, threat or intimidation from the host country.
Diplomatic immunity is granted on the basis of two conventions:

★ The Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961

★ The Convention on Consular Relations, 1963

Both the conventions are popularly called the Vienna Conventions. They have been ratified by 187 countries. It is a law under these countries' legal framework and cannot be violated.
According to Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, the immunity enjoyed by a diplomat posted in the embassy is "inviolable". The diplomat cannot be arrested or detained and his house will have the same inviolability and protection as the embassy.
It is possible for the diplomat's home country to waive immunity but this can happen only when the individual has committed a 'serious crime', unconnected with their diplomatic role or has witnessed such a crime. The diplomats posted in a consulate also get immunity with their family, as the diplomats in embassy.

Diplomatic Immunity