Latest news with #Satter
Hans India
5 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Centre defends OCI cancellation in HC
New Delhi: The Centre has defended in the Delhi High Court its decision to cancel the OCI card of US-based journalist Raphael Satter saying he maligned Indian institutions in the international arena through journalistic activities. The Centre said it was satisfied that Satter conducted journalistic activities without waiting for necessary permission and violated the government's notification and that a 'discreet' lookout circular (LOC) was opened against him. 'It has been reported by security agencies that Raphael has been noted for acts of maliciously creating adverse and biased opinions against Indian institutions in the international arena through his journalistic activities and a discreet LOC was opened against him,' the Ministry of Home Affairs said in an affidavit. The Centre said that his revision petition was as a result disposed of and a speaking order dated May 24, 2024 held that there were no grounds to revise the overseas citizen of India (OCI) cancellation order. The Union ministry's affidavit came in response to Satter's plea against the cancellation of his OCI card. Justice Sachin Datta, who is hearing the matter, granted liberty to Satter to file a rejoinder to the government's reply and posted the hearing on August 25. Satter obtained the OCI status through his marriage and claimed he visited India for family purposes. The Ministry said it was brought to its notice through security agencies that Satter had attended Nullcon conference in Goa in September 2022 and the focus of the conference was to showcase the next generation of offensive and defensive security technology. Without necessary permission, he attended the conference and conducted journalistic activities, therefore, violating the provision of the ministry's notification, it said. OCI card holders or other foreigners visiting India, it said, were supposed to adhere to the laws of the country, meaning, the activities they are prohibited from under the category of visa or OCI guidelines. 'An OCI cardholder is a foreigner and OCI card is a life-long visa issued to such a foreigner. Every country has a sovereign right to refuse entry into its territory to any individual whom it may consider undesirable and informing about the same inasmuch as entry into any country's territory is not a matter of right, even if the person holds a valid visa,' the affidavit said. Citizens of India, the government said, were guaranteed fundamental right of speech and free movement, but foreigners or citizens of other countries were not entitled to such rights. Since OCI card holders are foreigners and citizens of another country, they cannot claim the right to free speech, movement and protest under the Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, the ministry added. It came on record that before initiating cancellation of the OCI proceedings, the ministry consulted security agencies and also the Ministry of External Affairs. After examining the petitioner's activities, his OCI card was found liable to be cancelled. 'Therefore, on June 12, 2023, this ministry (MHA) served a 'notice' to the petitioner through the High Commission of India in Washington DC to showcause as to why his OCI card may not be reports received from security agencies are 'secret' in nature, therefore, it cannot be disclosed to the petitioner,' the affidavit said. Though Satter submitted his reply to the ministry notice, the government claimed, he did not submit documents to establish he did not carry out any journalistic activity aside from showing his whereabouts and activities during his India visit. The MHA, however, said the reports received from the security agencies and the MEA provided 'enough inputs' indicating he had 'willfully violated' the provision of the 2021 notification. Satter, in his revision petition filed in January, 2024 before the MHA under the Citizenship Act, challenged his OCI cancellation order of December 4, 2023. On April 23, 2024 he claimed of not having carried out any journalistic activity, but the ministry claimed otherwise.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- General
- Business Standard
Govt defends cancellation of US journalist's OCI card, says reasons secret
Raphael Satter obtained the OCI status through his marriage and claimed he visited India for family purposes New Delhi The Union government on Wednesday defended its decision to revoke the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card of US-based journalist Raphael Satter, telling the Delhi High Court that he had maligned Indian institutions in the international arena through his journalistic activities. "It has been reported by security agencies that Raphael has been noted for acts of maliciously creating adverse and biased opinions against Indian institutions in the international arena through his journalistic activities, and a discreet LOC was opened against him," the ministry of home affairs said in an affidavit. The government said the nature of the information against Satter is 'secret' and cannot be disclosed to the petitioner. Who is Raphael Satter? Raphael Satter, a US-based cybersecurity journalist for Reuters, is a US citizen and has family in India. Satter obtained the OCI status through his marriage and claimed he visited India for family purposes. The Appin defamation case When Satter's OCI card was revoked, the government did not cite any reason for its decision. However, The Guardian said that it coincided with a defamation case against him in India, linked to his Reuters investigation titled 'How an Indian startup hacked the world'. The report alleged that an Indian cybersecurity firm, Appin, developed into a 'hack-for-hire powerhouse' targeting high-profile individuals worldwide. The co-founder of Appin, Rajat Khare, denied the allegations and later sued Satter for defamation. What is an OCI card? The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI ) card is a scheme that allows multiple-entry, multipurpose, life-long visas for visiting India. The scheme was introduced with an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, in August 2005. "An OCI cardholder is a foreigner, and an OCI card is a life-long visa issued to such a foreigner. Every country has a sovereign right to refuse entry into its territory to any individual whom it may consider undesirable, and informing about the same, inasmuch as entry into any country's territory is not a matter of right, even if the person holds a valid visa," the government said in the affidavit. How can OCI cards be cancelled? As per sub-section (1) of section 7A of the Citizenship Act, the government has the power to cancel the OCI card of any person if it is satisfied with certain conditions, such as disaffection towards the Constitution of India or if it was obtained by fraud. The government can also cancel it if it deems it necessary to do so in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the general public.
India Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
How govt revoked OCI card of US journalist Raphael Satter for ‘anti-India bias'
In a case that pits the sovereignty of the Indian state against global norms of press freedom, the Union government has firmly defended its decision to revoke the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card of US-based journalist Raphael an affidavit filed before the Delhi High Court last week, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) claimed the move was based on intelligence inputs that flagged Satter for allegedly 'maliciously creating adverse and biased opinions against Indian institutions' in the global arena through his reporting. A discreet Look Out Circular (LOC) had also been issued against him, the government government claimed that before initiating cancellation of OCI proceedings, the MHA had consulted security agencies and the ministry of external affairs (MEA), and also examined the activities of Satter in the light of reports received from security affidavit, filed by I.G. Muthuraja, director in the Foreigners Division of the MHA on May 24, further asserted India's sovereign right to deny entry to any foreign national deemed undesirable, regardless of visa status. 'Entry into a country's territory is not a matter of right,' the government stated, reinforcing its position that holding an OCI card does not guarantee unrestricted access. The affidavit stated it was brought to the notice of the MHA through security agencies that Satter had attended the Nullcon Conference in Goa on September 10, 2022. The focus of the conference was to showcase the next generation of offensive and defensive security technology. Without necessary permission, he attended the conference and conducted journalistic activities, thus violating the provision of Para (1) (1) of the MHA's notification S.O. 1050 (E) dated March 4, is germane to mention here that OCI cardholders or other foreigners visiting India are supposed to adhere to the laws of the country, i.e. the activities which are prohibited for them under the category of VISA or OCI guidelines,' the government affidavit stated, adding that an OCI cardholder is a foreigner and that the OCI card is a life-long visa issued to such a foreigner. Every country has a sovereign right to refuse entry into its territory to any individual whom it may consider undesirable, and informing about the same inasmuch as entry into any country's territory is not a matter of right, even if the person holds a valid was also informed that Indian citizens are guaranteed the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression and Fundamental Right to Free Movement under Article 19 of the Constitution of India. However, foreigners or citizens of other countries are not entitled to such rights. Since OCI cardholders are foreigners and citizens of another country, they cannot claim Right to Free Speech/Movement and protest under Article 19 of the was pointed out that the legal position on this aspect is not uniform in all countries, but so far, the law which operates in India is concerned, the executive government has an unrestricted right to expel a foreigner. So far as the right to be heard is concerned, there cannot be any hard and fast rule about the manner in which a person concerned has to be given an opportunity to place his case and it is not claimed that if the authority concerned had served a notice before passing the impugned order, the petitioners could have produced some relevant material in support of their claim of acquisition of citizenship, which they failed to do in the absence of a was claimed that before initiating cancellation of OCI proceedings, the MHA had consulted security agencies and MEA and also examined the activities of Satter in view of reports received from security agencies, MEA and provisions under Sections 7D (da) and 7D (e) of The Citizenship Act, 1955, wherein the OCI card of the petitioner was found liable to be cancelled. Therefore, on June 12, 2023, the MHA served a 'notice' to the petitioner through the Indian High Commission in Washington DC to show cause as to why his OCI Card may not be is submitted that the reports received from security agencies are 'Secret' in nature, therefore, it cannot be disclosed to the (7D) The Central Government may, by order, cancel the registration granted under sub-section (1) of section 7A, if it is satisfied that:(da) The Overseas Citizen of India cardholder has violated any of the provisions of this Act or provisions of any other law for time being in force as may be specified by the central government in the notification published.(e) it is necessary so to do in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the general government maintained that though Satter made repeated representations claiming that he did not carry any journalistic activities, he has not submitted anything which proves that he has not done any journalistic activities and was also unable to submit his whereabouts and activities during his visit to India.'It has been reported by security agencies that Raphael Satter has been noted for acts of maliciously creating adverse and biased opinion against Indian institutions in the international arena through his journalistic activities, and a discreet LOC was opened against him,' the government informed the Delhi High high court was informed that in the personal hearing, Satter, through his representatives, claimed that after obtaining his OCI Card, he had visited India only once and had not engaged in any journalistic activities, such as interviews, news events, or taken any photos, nor published any articles during his visit to India. In addition, Satter has cited eight court judgments to support his argument that detailed reasons for the cancellation of an OCI Card need to be furnished when exercising powers under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Further, he stated that no proof has been submitted (i) on the allegation of conducting journalistic activities without special permission (ii) on the allegation of maliciously creating adverse and biased opinion against Indian institutions in the international government has made it clear that the OCI card is a lifelong visa granted to a foreign national of Indian origin or their relatives. The grant of visa is plenary sovereign function of the central government. 'The foreign national cannot claim services as a matter of right as per their convenience. Visa service is meant only for those foreign nationals who intent to arrive/ stay/ depart in/ from India legally and follow Indian laws and rules.'advertisementSubscribe to India Today Magazine
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally rolls into Panama City Beach
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – An estimated 50,000 motorcyclists have rolled into town for the spring Thunder Beach motorcycle rally. Those thousands of extra wheels on the road pose a higher risk for accidents. 'We don't really have that many. Unfortunately, what would just be a fender bender in a car or truck could be fatal on a motorcycle. And riders understand that,' Thunder Beach Productions President Joe Biggs said. The rally is spread across three venues: the main one at Frank Brown Park, the Harley-Davidson dealership, and the crossroads across from Sharky's Restaurant on Front Beach Road. Drivers are urged to be extra cautious while driving on U.S. 98, Back Beach Road, and State Road 390, towards the main venue at Frank Brown Park. 'Sometimes you're blind spot may not be able to see a motorcycle rider. There will be a lot of them out there. So we do ask people to be patient with each other on the roadways. Make sure you're just taking that extra step to make sure that you're staying safe and keeping those around you safe as well,' Florida Department of Transportation spokesperson Ian Satter said. St. Andrews Marina temporary closure for Blessing of the Fleet event FDOT expects to see an increase in traffic in the area, especially through active work zones. 'Throughout this weekend, you'll see an uptick in traffic. We do ask people to, you know, take a little bit of extra time out there. And we do have a lot of active construction zones through those areas. So take particular care and attention as you're driving through those work zones,' Satter said. Thunder Beach President Joe Biggs says motorcyclists ride in groups to make themselves more visible to drivers. 'Very often you'll see two, four, six bikes riding together. But they're creating more of a presence. They're not being idiots. They're just trying to be more visible so that people in cars and trucks are clearly aware that there's a motorcycle around,' Biggs added. Biggs says Thunder Beach appeals to a certain segment of bikers. 'This is not a sport bike event, this is a cruiser event. Because of it, it's an older audience who are a lot more responsible,' Satter said. With more than 100 vendors, he says you don't have to be a rider to enjoy Thunder Beach. One of the weekend's highlights is a 'Back the Blue' parade on Saturday, held in memory of Panama City Beach Police Sergeant Kevin Kight and Walton County Deputy Will May. It takes place at 11 a.m. from the Beef O' Brady's parking lot. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
A feast for the eyes (with a side order of bacon)
"Russ's Kitchenette Diner," 1977. Andrew Mark Satter/Andrew mark Satter The mall isn't known for photo shows (though in 2021 it did host a pop-up for the Photographic Resource Center). This one has a reason for being on those particular premises. Russ's was at the corner of First and Rogers streets. By Satter's calculation, that means his photographs are now hanging 'within a few hundred feet' of where the diner was. Get Winter Soup Club A six-week series featuring soup recipes and cozy vibes, plus side dishes and toppings, to get us all through the winter. Enter Email Sign Up The gallery is open during regular CambridgeSide hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Louisa Vilardi, "Andrew Satter." Louisa Vilardi The restaurant opened in 1937, a classic Advertisement Russ's has two later claims to fame. Shortly after it closed, the diner was used for a scene in the 1978 film 'The Brink's Job.' And it's the subject of a 27-minute documentary, 'Down Around Here,' that aired on GBH in 1996. Director David Sutherland, a Russ's regular, shot it around the time Satter was taking his photographs, during the mid-'70s. Andrew Satter, "Morning News," 1974. Andrew Mark Satter/Andrew mark Satter Over the course of 2½ years, Satter shot hundreds of photographs of the diner, both inside and out. He quickly earned the trust of employees and patrons by giving them prints of photographs he took of them. Young started displaying the pictures in the diner. It was a pop-up ahead of its time. In a blurb for a book of Satter's diner photographs, 'Walk-Ins Welcome,' the crime novelist Dennis Lehane says that each image 'feels like a short story.' Certainly, Satter has stories to tell about them. Andrew Satter, "Charlie," 1974. Andrew Mark Satter/Andrew mark Satter In one photograph, the diner's cook, Charlie Diamandis, sits in a back corner behind two white plastic buckets and a pile of spud skins. 'Charlie would peel 100 pounds of potatoes every day,' Satter said. Another photograph shows a waitress, Geri Silva. When it's suggested that Silva looked like the sort of server who calls customers 'Honey' or 'Dear,' Satter shook his hand. 'No, it was 'hon': 'You want your regular order, hon?'' Andrew Satter, "Geri," 1975. Andrew Mark Satter/Andrew mark Satter Did Satter have a regular order? 'A western omelet, a bran muffin — Russ baked them fresh every day — and, let's see, I hadn't started to drink coffee yet, so tea.' Satter will give a free talk about the Diner Project in the gallery on Level 2 at CambridgeSide on April 12, from 1 to 3 p.m., and 'Down Around Here' will be shown. Advertisement Mark Feeney can be reached at
