Doctor Moves Delhi High Court Against Cancellation of OCI Card

The Delhi High Court has sought the response of the central government after an Indian-origin doctor based in the United States filed a case over the cancellation of his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card by the Indian Consulate at Houston in August 2017.

Christo Thomas Philip’s OCI card was cancelled for his reported missionary activities in Bihar that led to law-and-order issues and unrest, reported NDTV.

The Delhi High Court has sought the center’s response on the plea filed by Philip, who hails from Kerala. His plea claimed that his card was cancelled without any proof against him, and that there was no evidence to conclude that he conducted missionary and evangelical activities in the country causing law-and-order problems, PTI reported.

A notice has been issued by the Delhi High Court to the Indian Consulate and a response has been sought before the next hearing that is scheduled on July 18. Philip was granted the OCI status and a lifelong visa in November 2012.

Philip claimed that he had come to India many times and helped out at the Duncan hospital in Raxaul, Bihar. However, he says that he was “unlawfully deported” on April 26, 2016 from the Delhi Airport, according to reports. In December last year, the revisional authority he had approached with his representation upheld the Consulate General’s decision. The doctor has challenged the revisional authority’s Dec. 22 decision in his current plea.

He also challenged the consulate’s decision and the look-out circular that was issued against him last year. Philip is seeking directions from the court to the authorities, allowing him to meet his family members in Kerala.

Holders of an OCI card are allowed multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa to visit India, exemption from reporting to police authorities for any length of stay in India and parity with Non-Resident Indians in financial, economic and educational fields except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

Among those eligible for registration as an OCI cardholder is a foreign national who was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after Jan. 26, 1950, or who was eligible to become a citizen of India on Jan. 26, 1950 or who belonged to a territory that became part of India after Aug.15, 1947. However, no person, who or either of whose parents or grandparents or great grandparents is or had been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh is eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder.