Nitasha Kaul: UK-Based Academic’s OCI Status Revoked Amid Allegations of ‘Anti-India Activities’

Professor Nitasha Kaul, a British-Indian academic of Kashmiri Pandit heritage and a vocal critic of the Indian government’s policies, recently had her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status revoked by Indian authorities. The revocation, officially attributed to alleged "anti-India activities," has sparked wide-ranging discussions on academic freedom, dissent, and the rights of Indian diaspora members.

Nitasha Kaul, a UK-based Indian-origin professor, said that the Indian government had revoked her OCI status. (Image: X via Nitasha Kaul)

Who is Nitasha Kaul?

Nitasha Kaul was born in November 1976 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and was raised in New Delhi. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Economics from Sri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi. She then pursued a PhD in Economics and Philosophy from the University of Hull, UK. Currently, Kaul serves as a Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster in London, where she also directs the Centre for the Study of Democracy.

Of Kashmiri Pandit descent, Kaul’s academic work often explores political issues related to identity, nationalism, and conflict, with a focus on Kashmir.

Circumstances Leading to OCI Revocation

On May 18, 2025, Nitasha Kaul announced via social media that the Indian government had canceled her OCI status. The government cited her involvement in activities detrimental to India’s sovereignty and integrity, including spreading disinformation and showing malice towards the nation.

A key factor contributing to this decision was her testimony in 2019 before the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where she criticized India’s abrogation of Article 370 — the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir — and raised concerns about human rights violations in the region. Her outspoken criticism of Indian government policies related to Kashmir has been seen by authorities as "anti-national."

Previous Denial of Entry into India

In February 2024, Kaul was denied entry into India despite an official invitation by the Karnataka state government to speak at a conference on democratic and constitutional values. She was reportedly detained under surveillance for 24 hours at the airport before being deported back to London.

This incident was widely viewed as an example of increasing restrictions on academics and activists perceived as critical of the government.

Academic Freedom and Political Dissent

Kaul has described the revocation of her OCI status as a "vindictive" and politically motivated act of transnational repression. She emphasized that this move sends a chilling message to academics and diaspora members who express dissent or critique Indian government policies.

Human rights organizations and members of the international academic community have expressed concern that such actions suppress academic freedom and the right to free speech. Critics argue that revoking OCI status on the basis of political views threatens the space for critical scholarship and open debate.

Understanding the OCI Status and Its Revocation

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme provides people of Indian origin with lifelong visa-free travel and the right to work and live in India indefinitely. However, OCI is not full Indian citizenship and can be revoked under certain conditions. These include activities considered harmful to India’s sovereignty or integrity or actions showing disaffection towards the Indian Constitution.

The government’s decision to revoke Kaul’s OCI status is part of a pattern where OCI cards have been canceled or suspended for other diaspora members perceived as critical of the government.

Broader Implications

Nitasha Kaul’s case highlights the tensions between national security concerns and the protection of individual rights such as academic freedom and freedom of expression. It raises important questions about the limits of dissent for members of the Indian diaspora and whether peaceful criticism of government policies should have such severe consequences.

As global debates continue on democracy, human rights, and free speech, the case serves as a focal point for examining how democratic states balance sovereignty with individual liberties — especially when actions cross national borders.

Conclusion

The revocation of Professor Nitasha Kaul’s OCI status illustrates the complex and often contentious intersection of politics, identity, and academic freedom. While the Indian government cites national integrity in justifying the decision, many view it as a concerning suppression of dissent that affects not only Kaul but also the wider diaspora and academic community.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by diaspora intellectuals engaging critically with their homeland and serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of free expression in an increasingly polarized political climate.

(Sources: India Today, NDTV, Indian Express, First Post)