OCI Status Can Be Cancelled For Unauthorised Religious Preaching: Madras HC
What Happened
The Madras High Court upheld the cancellation of US citizen John Daniel’s OCI registration after authorities alleged that he carried out missionary activities in India without the required prior permission. The Court held that the permission requirement applies to missionary preaching itself and is not limited to religious conversion activities. Daniel denied the allegations, but the Court found material showing his participation in religious congregations and public meetings in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Key Takeaways
The ruling clarifies that OCI cardholders must obtain prior government permission before undertaking missionary activities in India, even where religious conversion is not established.