The upcoming hearing is expected to clarify the legal basis for the cancellation and the standards applied in such cases, as the court balances individual rights with concerns over national integrity
The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for 27 August on a petition filed by UK-based academic and journalist Amrit Wilson, who is challenging the cancellation of her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The court observed that India cannot allow itself to be criticised or maligned on international platforms while examining the government’s decision.
Justice Pushpendra Kumar Kaurav made the remarks after reviewing a confidential report submitted by the Union government. According to the court, intelligence inputs suggested that Wilson, aged 82, had allegedly taken part in activities considered harmful to India’s interests. The judge stated that the country should not be overly tolerant when allegations involve its integrity and sovereignty.
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The Union government cancelled Wilson’s OCI card in 2023, citing concerns over alleged anti-India activities
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The government told the court that the case involved sensitive information, some of which had been shared in a sealed report due to security reasons
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It maintained that the decision was based on intelligence assessments and concerns about national security
Wilson’s legal team, however, questioned the government’s claims. Her counsel argued that the show-cause notice issued to her lacked specific details and did not clearly explain the allegations. He also challenged the practice of submitting information in sealed covers, noting that the Supreme Court has previously discouraged this approach to ensure transparency and fairness.
The court has directed both sides to submit written arguments and will continue hearing the matter later this year. The case has drawn attention as it touches on issues of free expression, national security, and the rights of Overseas Citizen of India cardholders.
