New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Centre on a petition filed by an 82-year-old US-based Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder seeking permission to travel to Jammu and Kashmir for a wedding in his sister’s family.
Khalid Jahangir Qazi, whose OCI card was cancelled by the government in 2023 over allegations that he engaged in “pro-Pakistan propaganda” and was sympathetic towards Kashmiri separatists, has approached the top court seeking permission for the visit.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued notice to the Centre and listed the matter for further hearing on September 7.
OCI Card Cancelled In 2023 Over ‘Pro-Pakistan Propaganda’ Allegations
The government cancelled Qazi’s OCI card in May 2023, alleging that his activities were “inimical to the sovereignty and security of India”.
The Indian Consulate in New York had accused him of engaging in “pro-Pakistan propaganda”. Qazi was also blacklisted under the Foreigners Act.
Appearing for Qazi, senior advocate Parag Tripathi urged the Supreme Court to consider the matter urgently, arguing that any delay could result in the petitioner missing the family wedding.
Tripathi told the court that Qazi, a medical practitioner, had previously travelled to India and wanted to visit Kashmir to meet his relatives and attend the wedding.
Petitioner Offers Undertaking To Stay Away From Political Activity
Qazi’s counsel argued that considering his age, as well as the age of his relatives, the proposed trip could be one of his last opportunities to meet his family members in Kashmir.
Tripathi also offered an undertaking on behalf of Qazi that he would not participate in any political activity during his stay in India.
The Supreme Court, however, indicated that the Centre would have to be heard before a decision could be taken. The bench also observed that the family could potentially hold another function to mark Qazi’s arrival.
Delhi High Court Had Quashed OCI Card Cancellation
The dispute over Qazi’s OCI status has previously reached the Delhi High Court.
In November 2024, a single-judge bench quashed the government’s decision to cancel his OCI card, holding that Qazi had not been provided a fair opportunity to be heard before the action was taken.
The Centre subsequently challenged the decision, and its appeal remains pending before a division bench of the Delhi High Court.
The High Court had separately declined Qazi’s request seeking permission to travel to India.
The Supreme Court will now take up his petition on September 7 after considering the Centre’s response.
