Dr. Nitasha Kaul, a British-Kashmiri professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster in London, has claimed that her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) has been revoked by Indian authorities over allegations of engaging in “anti-India activities.”
Taking to social media on Sunday, Dr. Kaul shared excerpts from the official communication she received, which accuses her of being driven by “malice and complete disregard for facts or history.” The notice also cites her “numerous inimical writings, speeches, and journalistic activities at various international forums and on social media platforms” as justification for the cancellation, alleging they target India’s sovereignty and institutions.
This action comes months after Dr. Kaul was denied entry to India in February, where she was scheduled to attend an academic conference in Bengaluru. She had then voiced concern over what she described as a growing intolerance toward critical voices.
In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Kaul condemned the move, calling it “a bad faith, vindictive, cruel example of transnational repression.” She argued that the government is attempting to silence independent analysis and dissent, especially from those who critique policies perceived as anti-minority or anti-democratic.
“Know that arresting academics in India for speaking against hate is closely tied to removing access to country and family for academics outside India,” she wrote, adding, “The idea is to send a signal — don’t dare challenge us within and don’t dare analyse what’s going on to convey to audiences outside.”
Under current rules governing OCI status, the Indian government reserves the right to revoke citizenship privileges if an individual is found to have displayed “disaffection towards the Constitution of India.” Critics have long warned that such provisions could be used to suppress dissent.
Dr. Kaul serves as Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy and is a noted academic voice on issues related to Kashmir, human rights, and authoritarianism. The High Commission of India in London has been approached for a response, but an official statement is yet to be released.
