Court Extends Deadline on Academic's India Entry Blacklist Challenge

The Delhi High Court granted the Centre an additional two weeks to respond to academic Ashok Swain's challenge against his blacklisting from India. Swain, a Swedish national and OCI cardholder, claims the action follows undisclosed orders due to his critical writings on India. The case continues on July 23.

The Delhi High Court has provided the Centre with two more weeks to submit its response to academician Ashok Swain's plea, which contests a blacklisting order barring him from India. The central government lawyer's request for more time was approved by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav.

This development follows the court's issuance of a notice on Swain's petition in November 2025, demanding replies from the Union Ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs, as well as the Indian Embassy in Sweden and Latvia, and the Bureau of Immigration, concerning the cancellation of Swain's OCI card.

Swain, a Professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, claims he is unable to visit his ailing mother in India due to an undisclosed blacklist order. He seeks a court directive to overturn the order, arguing a lack of procedural fairness and legal clarity. The case is set to continue on July 23.