Professor Nitasha Kaul, a political and international relations academic at the University of Westminster, has established her career in the United Kingdom since arriving for postgraduate studies at the University of Hull in 1997. Throughout her tenure, she has authored several books and over 150 articles addressing vital subjects such as democracy, right-wing politics, Indian politics, and the situation in Kashmir.
Although she became a British citizen, Kaul maintained her ties to India as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) until her OCI status was revoked in May. The OCI designation is a privilege granted to individuals of Indian origin who have obtained foreign citizenship, allowing for multiple-entry and lifelong visa access to India; over 4 million people globally hold this status.
The cancellation of Kaul’s OCI has raised eyebrows, as it aligns with provisions in the Citizenship Act of 1955, which allows for revocation under specific circumstances, including fraud or issues pertaining to national security. However, critics point out that such actions often lack transparency and procedural fairness, creating serious questions regarding legal norms and human rights. This trend could potentially impact freedom of expression and adherence to the rule of law, especially since domestic courts have displayed a degree of resistance against the government’s actions.
Kaul’s OCI was revoked with the assertion that she engaged in activities deemed anti-India, yet no explicit incidents were referenced. As a vocal advocate for democracy, she has been critical of the Indian government’s policies, particularly those that affect minority populations, including Muslims. Organizations like Freedom House have classified India as “partly free,” revealing a concerning trajectory regarding the treatment of its Muslim citizens and the freedom of the press.
Kaul is not an isolated case; the last nine years have seen over 120 OCIs revoked by Indian authorities, illustrating a troubling pattern of silencing dissent. In 2024 alone, nearly half of these revocations were documented, targeting journalists, activists, and scholars who pose critical questions about the government’s approach.
The relationship between the Indian government and its diaspora is increasingly fraught as authorities employ immigration controls to limit dissent. This strategy contributes to a climate of fear among those critical of the ruling party, compelling many to reconsider their expressions against human rights violations.
A recent Reporters Without Borders (RSF) study indicated that Indian authorities leverage OCI revocation as a means of silencing journalists, undermining the democratic implications of such actions. Alarmingly, a survey from the Platform for Indian Democracy suggested that over half of British Indians express concern regarding India’s political trajectory.
The UK’s recent trade agreements with India did not address the pressing issues of democratic backsliding, questioning the strength of advocacy for human rights within diplomatic discussions. British Indians, who maintain deep cultural and familial ties to India, are urged to push back against these concerning patterns of repression. The very fabric of India’s democracy relies on the engagement of its diaspora, fostering an environment where critique is not just permissible but essential for the collective progress of the nation.
The urgency to restore and uphold these freedoms cannot be overstated, as the potential for critical voices to thrive remains essential to the future of democracy in India.
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