K’taka HC Extends Stay On Cancellation Of OCI Card Of Actor Chetan Kumar

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 bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna was informed by the petitioner that he has complied with the court’s previous order by deleting the tweets that were allegedly directed against the judiciary and matters under judicial consideration. The court, in its order dated April 21, had initially stayed the Union government’s order. Kumar had approached the court after his OCI card was canceled by the Union government, invoking Rule 35(2) of the Citizenship Rules, 2009, alleging his involvement in anti-India activities.

On June 8, 2022, the FRRO, Bureau of Immigration, issued a show cause notice to Kumar, inquiring why his OCI card should not be canceled.

The notice alleged his involvement in criminal activities that incited hatred and disharmony among communities in the state. The cancellation of the card was sought under Section 7D(b) and 7D(e) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Kumar submitted a detailed reply, which the authorities found to be “bereft of plausible explanation.” Following the cancellation, Kumar moved the High Court.

The court has granted a two-week period to the respondents for filing their statement of objection and scheduled the matter for further hearing on June 20.