The ICJ is the principal judicial body of the United Nations.

It was established in 1946 to replace the Permanent Court of International Justice, the ICJ mainly operates under the statute of its predecessor, which is included in the UN Charter.

Its primary function is:

1. To settle legal disputes submitted by States in accordance with established international laws, and
2. To act as an advisory board on issues submitted to it by authorized international organizations.

 The International Court of Justice is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.

• In order to be elected, a candidate must receive an absolute majority of the votes in both bodies.
• In order to ensure a measure of continuity, one third of the Court is elected every three years. Judges are eligible for re-election.

ICJ has directed Pakistan to review conviction order of Kulbhushan Jadhav and, until then, put his death sentence on hold. ICJ has also asked Pakistan to allow India consular access at earliest.