A US-based Indian-origin doctor Christo Thomas Philip has moved the Delhi High Court after the Indian Consulate in Houston, US cancelled his Overseas Citizen of India or the OCI card.
Dr Philip’s OCI card was cancelled by the Indian authorities in August 2017 for alleged missionary activities in Bihar, reports.
The report states doctor’s activities at the Duncan hospital in Raxaul, Bihar where he was volunteering led to unrest and law-and-order problems.
Dr Philip claims the consulate’s decision to cancel his OCI has been taken without any evidence and the charges against him are baseless.
He had earlier moved the high court last year against his cancellation of OCI card by the Consulate General.
The court had asked him to approach the government against the Consulate General's order and directed the authority concerned to decide his case "as expeditiously as possible".
The revisional authority, which he had approached with his representation, on December 22 last year upheld the Consulate General's decision.
Apart from that, he also challenged the Consulate General's August 1, 2017 decision to cancel his OCI card as well as the look out circular issued against him.
The Delhi High court has sought Indian Consulate’s response before the next hearing on July 18.
Dr Philip was granted the OCI status and a lifelong visa in November 2012.
The OCI cards allow holders to travel to India visa-free and also grants them rights of residency without having to report to the local authorities periodically. It also gives them the right to participate in commercial and educational activities.
