‘Separatist’ OCI card holder in SC, seeks nod to visit Kashmir
Appearing for Qazi, whose OCI card cancellation was annulled by a single judge bench of Delhi high court and appeals against which is pending before a division bench, senior advocate Parag Tripathi told the Supreme Court that the 82-year-old medical practitioner had visited India in the past and given his age and that of his relatives, this may be the last time he would be able to visit Kashmir.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court recently requested the Union government's response regarding an 82-year-old octogenarian US-based man, Khalid Jahangir Qazi, who holds an OCI card but is accused of promoting pro-Pakistan views and sympathizing with Kashmiri separatists. The court is considering Qazi's request to visit Kashmir to attend wedding functions in his sister's family.
Legal representation for Qazi, provided by senior advocate Parag Tripathi, argued that due to his advanced age and the upcoming chance to reunite with family members, visiting Kashmir could be his final opportunity. Tripathi further mentioned that Qazi is prepared to pledge not to engage in any political activities during his visit.
Consequently, the bench ordered the Center to submit its response by September 7, the following hearing date. Earlier, the Delhi high court had dismissed Qazi's plea to visit India. Qazi is currently charged with disseminating pro-Pakistan propaganda by the Indian Consulate in New York. The Indian government withdrew his OCI card in May 2023 due to activities deemed "hostile to India's sovereignty and security," and he was blacklisted under the Foreigners Act.
In November 2024, a single judge in the Delhi HC overturned the OCI card cancellation, stating that Qazi had not received a fair hearing before the decision was made.
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