Karnataka High Court Extends Stay On Cancellation Of Actor Chetan Kumar's OCI Card

The Karnataka High Court on Friday extended its interim stay on an order passed by the Union Government cancelling the Overseas Citizen of India card (OCI) issued to Kannada actor and social activist, Chetan A Kumar.

A single judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna was informed by the petitioner that in compliance with the earlier order of the court, he has deleted the tweets that were allegedly against the judiciary and matters that are sub-judice. The court had by its order dated April 21 stayed the Union government order.

Kumar had approached the court after the Union government cancelled the OCI card invoking Rule 35(2) of the Citizenship Rules, 2009 on the allegation that Kumar had indulged himself in anti-India activities.

On 08.06.2022, the FRRO, Bureau of Immigration, had issued a show cause notice to him asking why his OCI card should not be cancelled. It was alleged that he was involved in the criminal activities causing hatred and disharmony against the communities in the state. The card was sought to be cancelled, invoking Section 7D(b) and 7D(e) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

A detailed reply was submitted by Kumar which was found to be "bereft of plausible explanation" by the authorities. Following the cancellation, Kumar approached the court.

The court has granted two weeks time to the respondents to file their statement of objection and posted the matter for further hearing on June 20.

Case Title: Chetan Kumar And Union of India & others

Case No: WP 9171/2023