Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Central government on a plea by a Pakistani woman seeking a long-term visa to live with her Indian husband. The matter is listed for further hearing on November 12.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Central government regarding a plea filed by a Pakistani woman seeking a visa to live with her Indian husband in India. The petition comes after India had suspended visas for Pakistani nationals following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Justice Sachin Datta directed the government to file a response in the matter and scheduled the case for further consideration on November 12.
The petitioner, Ruqaiya Obaeed, married Delhi resident Ubada Abdul Barakat Farooqi in November last year in Pakistan. She had come to India with her husband in April 2025. On April 18, 2025, she applied for a long-term visa (LTV).
However, on April 25, 2025, just three days after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals. In addition, the government revoked visas that had already been issued to most Pakistani nationals.
In her plea, Obaeed stated that she approached the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to allow her to continue staying in India, but her request was rejected, and she was issued an exit permit on April 28, 2025.
ALSO READ: Attack on Constitution: Shoe Thrown at CJI B.R. Gavai, Lawyer Suspended, Nation Outraged
She informed the Court that on April 29, 2025 – the very day she left India – news reports suggested that the Indian government had clarified that Pakistani nationals whose applications for a long-term visa were pending were not required to leave the country.
Based on these reports, many Pakistani nationals with marital ties in India chose to remain in the country, Obaeed told the Court.
She added,
“It is further submitted that on the basis of the above said news flashes on the news channel, the authorities in the State of Rajasthan, particularly in Jodhpur, permitted the Pakistani National women who had marital ties with Indian men to stay in India. The petitioners are similarly situated and they seek parity in treatment.”
Senior Advocate Sanjeev Sagar appeared for the petitioner along with Advocates Rajeshwar Singh, Chaitanya Singh, Neeraj Singh, Saloni Singh, Nazia, IA Hasmi, Shivam, and Nitan.
The Court will hear the matter further on November 12, as the notice to the Central government remains pending.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on CJI BR Gavai
