SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Tuesday sought a response from the Union of India and the JK government on a plea filed by CRPF personnel Munir Ahmed against the proposed deportation of his Pakistani wife, Bar and Bench reported.
Justice Rahul Bharti directed the authorities to respond within ten days and listed the case for further hearing on May 14. The Court observed that any action against the woman would remain subject to the final outcome of the petition.
The petition follows the Centre’s April 24 directive to Pakistani nationals to leave India before April 27, issued in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The petitioner sought consideration of a long-term visa application for his wife, whose tourist visa expired on March 22.
The Court was informed that the woman was earlier placed on an Exit Permit, which was later withdrawn. The couple said they were married online, but the Court noted the marriage certificate mentioned a physical location in Jammu, raising doubts over its validity.
The Court asked the Central government to clarify whether such a marriage is legally valid and said it is for the government to decide on granting a long-term visa.
It noted that the woman remains a Pakistani national with an expired visa and that her future status depends on the Centre’s decision.
