Judiciary Mandates Fast-Track Assessment of Pakistani Nationals’ Indian Citizenship Request

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The Karnataka High Court has ordered the central government to consider the Indian citizenship plea of Nighat Yasmeen, a Pakistani citizen. Nighat had reportedly applied for Indian citizenship several times; however, the application was rejected by the authorities.

The HC has specifically directed the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office to consider her application before her long-term visa expires.

Protection Against Imminent Deportation

The court has protected Nighat Yasmeen. It has stated that she can stay in India while officials review her new application. Justice Suraj Govindaraj said her visa extension is recommended until April 2026. As a result, she cannot be deported right now. The court blocked the government from taking any harsh actions against her.

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The bench explicitly stated that “the petitioner cannot be deported, nor any coercive steps can be taken against the petitioner insofar as expiry of long-term visa is concerned.”

This case is about more than just paperwork. Yasmeen married an Indian citizen in 2009, and she has two children who are also Indian citizens. The court focused on these family ties to make its decision. Also, the judge has ordered the police and government to take quick action.

This decision comes amidst heightened anxieties following a Ministry of Home Affairs advisory from 24 April 2025, which originally suggested a suspension of visa services for certain foreign nationals.

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Prioritizing Family Unity and Legal Compliance

Earlier in 2025, the government decided to stop issuing visas to some foreign nationals. This announcement came after the Pahalgam attack. Many people were worried they would be forced to leave. However, the court stated that long-term residents deserve special protection. People who have been living in India for years are different from temporary visitors.

The ruling emphasizes the human element of immigration law by acknowledging Yasmeen’s longstanding ties to India through her marriage and her children. Having married an Indian citizen in 2009 and raised two children who are Indian nationals, her plea for "favourable consideration in view of her family ties" was central to the litigation.

The court directed the state government and Bengaluru police to process and forward her new application within a strict two-week window. This ensures that the bureaucratic transition to the e-FRRO portal will not lead to the separation of a family. The court’s intervention shows that, though national security is important, the administration must act decisively. Further adding that it is necessary to prevent legal uncertainty faced by residents who have complied with all updated registration requirements.

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