The Madras High Court upheld John Daniel's OCI card cancellation for conducting missionary activities without permission. The ruling reinforces restrictions governing religious activities undertaken by overseas citizens in India.Stock photo used for illustrationChennai,Oct 29, 2026 17:06 ISTThe Madras High Court has upheld the cancellation of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration card granted to an American citizen of Indian origin for carrying out missionary activities without the Central government's permission, the Press Trust of India reported.Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy dismissed a petition filed by John Daniel, who had also sought the restoration of his OCI registration and permission to enjoy the privileges linked to it.“However, the petitioner will be free to apply for a regular visa to visit his mother.
For conduct of meetings and religious purposes, he can carry out his activities in India only upon being granted the requisite permission,” the judge said.During the hearing, Daniel told the court that he had not violated any law governing OCI cardholders. He also denied allegations that he was involved in missionary activities and religious conversions, according to PTI.
In his order, the judge said there was no dispute over Daniel's eligibility for OCI registration. His parents were stated to be of Indian origin, while he was born in the United States and had chosen to be an American citizen.
The registration had, therefore, been rightly granted to him, the judge said.The court said that preaching and carrying out activities to spread the word of “God” would come under missionary activity and required special permission. Since Daniel had not obtained such permission, the cancellation was justified in view of the allegations against him, the judge added.
The judge also noted that Daniel had made a categorical statement before the court that he had never been involved in missionary activities and had visited India only to meet his mother, family and friends. The court described the statement as one “which on its face is a lie”.The court said the remedy available under Article 226 of the Constitution was equitable and could not be extended in view of Daniel's denial and the material placed on record.The High Court, therefore, upheld the cancellation of Daniel's OCI card while allowing him to apply for a regular visa to visit his mother.
It said he could conduct religious meetings or activities in India only after securing the required permission.- Ends