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HC grants two more weeks to Centre to respond to Swain's plea against blacklisting order
The Delhi High Court on May 6, 2026 granted the Centre two weeks to file its reply to academician Ashok Swain's plea challenging a purported blacklisting order restricting his entry into India. The court had earlier issued notice in November 2025, asking for replies within three weeks, and the matter was listed for a future hearing on July 23, 2026. The case era includes the 2024 OCI card cancellation and prior court actions related to Swain's OCI status.
Why It Matters
This case raises questions about due process, transparency in blacklisting actions, and the rights of a national or OCI cardholder to enter India, with potential implications for academic freedom and international scholarly travel.
Timeline
4 Events
Extension granted; next hearing scheduled
May 6, 2026
The Delhi High Court granted two weeks more to the Centre to file its reply to Swain's plea and listed the matter for next hearing on July 23, 2026.
Notice issued in Swain petition; replies requested within three weeks
November 2025
The Delhi High Court issued notice on Ashok Swain's petition and asked the Union Ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs, the Embassy of India to Sweden and Latvia, and the Bureau of Immigration to file their replies within three weeks.
OCI card cancelled by Embassy of India to Sweden and Latvia
February 8, 2024
The Embassy of India to Sweden and Latvia cancelled Swain's Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card under the Citizenship Act.
Earlier court actions on Swain's OCI status
2024
The High Court had earlier twice set aside the Centre's order cancelling Swain's OCI card and granted liberty to the authorities to issue a fresh show cause notice to him.