Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI; A Pakistani citizen who has been residing in Goa since 2016 on a long-term visa has approached the Supreme Court, challenging a recent notification by the Centre that led to the cancellation of visas for several Pakistani nationals following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which killed 26 people.
Acting on the Centre’s directive, the Goa government identified 17 Pakistani nationals holding long-term visas and issued deportation notices to three, including the petitioner.
The petitioner’s lawyer mentioned the matter on Thursday before a vacation bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma, seeking an urgent hearing. The counsel informed the court that although the petitioner is not contesting deportation outright, he seeks a fair opportunity to be heard, citing specific terms attached to his visa.
“This involves a Pakistani national who has been living in Goa on a valid visa since 2016. The Centre issued a blanket notification after the Pahalgam incident,” the counsel stated.
The bench, however, responded briefly and firmly: “You go back.”
The counsel further submitted that the petitioner was born in India, a fact that could influence the legal evaluation of his case. When the court asked why the petitioner had not first approached the relevant high court, the lawyer explained that local police had already initiated action, indicating that deportation was imminent.
The bench noted the submission and agreed to list the matter for hearing in due course but did not provide immediate relief.
This case comes amid heightened national security concerns and could become significant in interpreting the rights of foreign nationals on long-term visas during periods of increased cross-border tension.
