Madras High Court lets an OCI cancellation stand for missionary work done without prior permission

27 October 2026

The Madras High Court has refused to interfere with the cancellation of a man's Overseas Citizen of India registration. Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy heard the case of John Daniel versus Union of India, W.P. No. 37464 of 2026. The court found that he worked as a professional missionary in India without the permission that is required. Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955 allows the Central Government to cancel an OCI registration where the holder has violated the Act or another law notified in the Official Gazette. Under Section 7B the Centre issued S.O. 1050(E), which requires prior permission for missionary, mountaineering, journalistic and certain public activities. The court also rejected the plea that natural justice was denied, since the authorities relied on substantial material. He may apply for a regular visa to see his mother, but needs permission for religious meetings.