New Delhi: Amnesty International has condemned the Indian government’s decision to revoke the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status of Ashok Swain, an Indian-born Swedish academic. The move is seen as a response to Swain’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration and its Hindutva policies.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, Amnesty India described the decision as “cruel” and suggested it was intended to penalize Swain for his outspoken views against the government. The cancellation of Swain’s OCI status has prevented him from visiting his ailing mother in India, illustrating the personal impact of the government’s actions.

In a recent development, the Delhi High Court overturned the government’s order, restoring Swain’s OCI status. The court has instructed New Delhi to issue a new order regarding his OCI status, offering a potential resolution for the academic.

Swain’s case has brought attention to the Indian government’s broader approach to critics, particularly among the diaspora. Reports indicate that the government has been retracting visa privileges from academics, activists, and journalists who express dissent. Human Rights Watch has noted that over 100 permits have been canceled, with some individuals being deported for allegedly showing “disaffection towards the Constitution.”