Now Reading: SC seeks Centre reply on OCI card holder’s Kashmir visit plea
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SC seeks Centre reply on OCI card holder’s Kashmir visit plea
The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Union government's response to a plea by US-based octogenarian Khalid Jahangir Qazi, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder, seeking permission to visit Jammu and Kashmir to attend a wedding in his sister's family. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notice to the Centre after senior advocate Parag Tripathi, appearing for Qazi, said the 82-year-old medical practitioner was ready to give an undertaking that he would not indulge in any political activity during the visit.
The Indian consulate in New York has accused Qazi of 'pro-Pakistan propaganda'. The government cancelled his OCI card in May 2023, calling his activities 'inimical to the sovereignty and security of India', and blacklisted him under the Foreigners Act. In November 2024, a single-judge bench of the Delhi High Court quashed the cancellation, ruling Qazi was not given a fair hearing. The Centre's appeal against that order is pending before a division bench. The court posted the matter for September 7.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both sources report the same facts with neutral language, focusing on the court's procedural move and Qazi's undertaking. The Times of India leads with the 'separatist' label in its headline, framing Qazi through the government's accusation. The New Indian Express leads with the wedding purpose, softening the entry. Neither source probes the basis of the 'pro-Pakistan propaganda' claim or the national security rationale for the OCI cancellation. The core legal question remains: whether the Delhi High Court's fair-hearing ruling will be upheld. The September 7 hearing will test the government's ability to defend the cancellation on merits.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report), newindianexpress.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
