Freedom of expression in Modi’s India is crime
A British citizen banned from travelling for criticising BJP govt
Islamabad: The fundamental right to freedom of expression is under serious threat in Hindutva rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India as the Modi government has imposed a travel ban on a British doctor for his criticism in a social media post.
According to Kashmir Media Service, a British citizen of Indian origin, Sangram Patel, has not been able to leave India for more than a month because the police had registered a case against him for posting on social media about a senior politician of the ruling BJP.
The police had stopped Sangram from boarding a flight to London at the Mumbai airport on January 19. The Indian authorities had issued a look out circular against him, under which he was not allowed to leave the country.
Sangram Patel is accused of posting objectionable content about a BJP leader on Facebook, but he has denied any wrongdoing and has called the move illegal.
The British citizen has approached the court to dismiss the case and lift the travel ban, the next hearing of which is scheduled for February 27.
Sangram Patel says his children and job are in the UK and under international law and Indian law, he has the right to freedom of movement, but the Indian government has imposed a travel ban on him and he cannot return to his home.
Experts say the incident is a cause of great concern for foreign nationals visiting India. The prolonged interrogation and movement restrictions despite a bailable charge show that criticism of political figures, especially those associated with the Hindutva BJP, can lead to state repression. Such repressive measures in the country that claims to be the world’s largest democracy reinforce concerns about the limited scope for dissent and the excessive use of executive power.
