In a move that has sparked both admiration and debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah broke new ground by responding in Malayalam to a letter from CPI(M) leader and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas. But here's where it gets controversial: the letter itself flagged serious legal concerns about a recent Home Ministry directive. This directive allows the cancellation of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) registration for individuals charge-sheeted for offenses carrying a sentence of seven years or more. Is this a fair policy, or does it undermine fundamental rights?
Mr. Brittas, in his October 22, 2025, letter, passionately argued that the directive violates the principle of presumption of innocence—a cornerstone of justice. He emphasized that any action affecting OCI cardholders should be based on a judicial verdict, not just procedural steps in criminal investigations. And this is the part most people miss: he also highlighted how the directive could potentially bypass constitutional guarantees of due process, raising questions about fairness and accountability.
Minister Shah's response, while acknowledging receipt of the letter in Malayalam, did not delve into the specifics of the issue. This has left many wondering: Will the government reconsider its stance, or is this directive here to stay?
Published - November 16, 2025 08:48 pm IST
What do you think? Is the Home Ministry’s directive justified, or does it overstep legal boundaries? Share your thoughts in the comments below—this is a conversation that needs your voice!
