National News

Citizenship Rights of OCI Cardholders

November 7 , 2026 14 hrs 0 min 43 0

The Bombay High Court kept the ‘Leave India Notice’ issued to actor and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder Imran Khan on hold until December 7, 2026, after he submitted an unconditional apology.
OCI cardholders are foreign nationals, not Indian citizens, and cannot claim the fundamental rights under Article 19 of the Constitution, including the right to protest.
Under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin can register as OCI cardholders.
Eligible categories include former Indian citizens, their descendants, certain minor children and foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders (married for at least two continuous years).
OCI cardholders receive a lifelong, multiple-entry visa and certain economic and educational benefits, but cannot vote, hold constitutional offices or obtain an Indian passport.
They cannot purchase agricultural land, farmhouses or plantation properties in India; prior government permission is required for certain activities such as journalism, missionary work and research.