Legality of Nuclear Weapons-Dilemma before the World Court

Dilemma before the World Court WHILE negotiations are on to formulate a Comprehensive Test B an Treaty (CTBT), and pressure is put on India to conform to its provisions, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently seized of twin requests for an advisory opinion regarding the legality of the use of nuclear weapons by a state in war, armed conflict or any other circumstance. The request for the opinion has come separately from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the General Assembly of the United Nations (General Assembly) and has been pending in the docket of the Court for the last three years. The issues involved in the matter are substantial and high stakes exist in the outcome of the case for many nations, particularly the current members of the nuclear weapons club and the countries aspiring to join them.