The Centre informed the Delhi High Court that US-based journalist Raphael Satter’s OCI card was cancelled for maligning Indian institutions abroad. The government cited security concerns and unauthorized journalistic activities.
New Delhi: Today, on June 4, the Central Government has informed the Delhi High Court that it cancelled the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card of US-based journalist Raphael Satter because he was involved in journalistic activities in India without proper permission and had allegedly spoken against Indian institutions in the global media.
According to an affidavit filed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Centre said that Raphael Satter carried out journalism in India without waiting for the required approval, which is a violation of the rules stated in the government’s notification.
the Ministry of Home Affairs said in its official statement to the court,
“It has been reported by security agencies that Raphael has been noted for acts of maliciously creating adverse and biased opinions against Indian institutions in the international arena through his journalistic activities and a discreet LOC was opened against him,”
The Ministry explained that based on the inputs received from security agencies, they were “satisfied” that Raphael Satter was engaged in journalism without the necessary official clearance, which was in clear violation of Indian laws applicable to OCI cardholders.
The affidavit mentioned that Satter’s activities were not just procedural violations, but also involved a broader concern related to national interest and the global image of Indian institutions.
It stated that a “discreet” Lookout Circular (LOC) had already been issued against him, which further indicates that the government was keeping a close watch on his movements and actions.
Quoting directly from the affidavit, the Centre reiterated,
“It has been reported by security agencies that Raphael has been noted for acts of maliciously creating adverse and biased opinions against Indian institutions in the international arena through his journalistic activities and a discreet LOC was opened against him.”
The matter is now before the Delhi High Court, where Raphael Satter has likely challenged the cancellation of his OCI card.
The final decision in the case will depend on the court’s assessment of whether due process was followed and whether the journalist’s rights were violated or not.
The government’s position highlights the sensitive nature of foreign nationals, including journalists, engaging in activities in India that may affect national security or the image of constitutional institutions.
The rules for OCI cardholders clearly state that they must follow certain restrictions, especially when it comes to professional activities like journalism, which require prior government permission.
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