Seema Haider writes to President for Indian citizenship; invokes celebrities, legendary love stories, govt slogans

The petition, filed on behalf of Seema, stated that she had converted to Hinduism of her own free will before getting married to Sachin in Nepal. “Petitioner did not get visa to come to India, then petitioner took Nepal visa and came to Nepal…and changed the religion from Islam to Hinduism… on 13.03.2023, the petitioner got married to Sachin Meena as per Hindu rites and rituals at Holy temple Bhagwan Pashupati Nath Mandir, Kathmandu,” according to the petition.

Seeking long-term visa for Seema, the petition said her marriage should be considered valid under the Special Marriage Act.

“…There has been public, political and media pressure to falsely implicate the petitioner… Our law department clearly says access to justice for all, in all its manifestation, is essential if the culture of democracy is to flourish. Unbiased investigations are essential to delivering justice to all,” said the petitioner.

The lawyer also quoted a few Bollywood celebrities to support his arguments. “Famous singer Adnan Sami has got citizenship of India due to his long stay in the country. A famous actress Alia Bhatt revealed that she cannot cast vote in India as India does not give dual citizenship as other countries of the world. Akshay Kumar, the famous superstar, has Canadian citizenship but he has been living in India for so long,” the petition said.

Citizenship of India can also be obtained through naturalisation, the petition further argued. It said, “Petitioner came in (to) India with immense love and affection of (for) beloved husband Sachin Meena like famous phrase ‘Love is Blind’. That’s why the petitioners’ love will always be remembered like that of Laila-Majnu, Heer-Ranjha, Shirin-Farhaad and Sohni-Mahiwal in the future of world history.”

It further said, “Petitioner will finally be able to live a life with dignity in India (in keeping) with the slogans of Indian government like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and also with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabke Saath Nyay.”