'15 Yrs On Tourist Visa & Running Restaurant?': Karnataka High Court Expresses Surprise Over Foreigner's Continued Residence In India

The Karnataka High Court on Monday (April 6) expressed surprise about the continued residence of a French national despite not having permanent residence or citizenship rights. The single judge bench of Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum expressed his disbelief when Deputy Solicitor General of India H Shanthi Bhushan appearing for the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), informed the court that the petitioner had been staying in the country for the last 15 years on a tourist visa. The court was hearing the petitioner Christophe Stephan Monxion's plea seeking a direction to set aside the 'Leave India' notice issued to him on 16.03.2026. The DSGI submitted that the petitioner utilises the 'modus operandi' of occasionally going back to France and then returning to India periodically again. In the meanwhile, the petitioner, who is residing in Gokarna, has also set up restaurants, he said. “15 years in India on a tourist visa? Running a restaurant?”, the court orally asked the FRRO.DSGI responded that its best if the French national leaves the country immediately, preferably 'on the next available flight' since refusal to abide by the Leave India notice could result in an FIR being registered against him.The Court noted in the order:“ The petitioner has impugned the 'Leave India' notice issued against him… During the course of investigation, it has been found that petitioner has violated his tourist visa and that he doesn't deserve to further stay in India for even a day…The petitioner has been running a business here and has purchased immovable properties. The correspondence from ADGP has also been placed on record…”When the petitioner's counsel sought a short time so that her senior could appear, the court posted the matter on Wednesday (April 8) while instructing FRRO to provide a copy of their report which has not yet been supplied to the petitioner. Advocate Nitin A M appears for the petitioner.The plea also seeks a direction to the FRRO to consider the representations made by the petitioner on March 24 and 27 respectively.In the interim the petitioner seeks a stay order on the proceedings pursuant to the 'Leave India' Notice and restrain FRRO from taking any coercive steps like deportation of the petitioner from India.The matter is listed on April 8. Case Title: Christophe Stephane Monxion V. The Foreigners Regional Registration OfficeCase No: WP 10453/2026

'15 Yrs On Tourist Visa & Running Restaurant?': Karnataka High Court Expresses Surprise Over Foreigner's Continued Residence In India

Sebin James

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