New Delhi, 17th Feb. French journalist Vanessa Dougnac departed from India on Saturday, citing an inability to await the outcome of the legal proceedings initiated following a notice issued by the government regarding the cancellation of her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
In a statement, Dougnac, the South Asia Correspondent for French publications La Croix and Le Point, Swiss newspaper Le Temps, and Belgian daily Le Soir, expressed her sentiments about leaving the country after spending 25 years in India, where she initially arrived as a student and worked as a journalist for 23 years. She referred to India as her home, where she married, raised her son, and built her life.
The notice served by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office last month questioned Dougnac’s OCI status, alleging that she was conducting journalistic activities without the requisite special permission as mandated under the Citizenship Act 1955 and related regulations. Dougnac stated that her departure was not by choice but was compelled by the government’s assertion that her articles were detrimental to the interests of India’s sovereignty and integrity.
The notice to Dougnac became a topic of discussion during the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, who attended the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, addressing the matter on January 26, emphasized India’s perspective on compliance with rules and regulations. While acknowledging France’s viewpoint, Kwatra reiterated the importance of individuals adhering to the laws of the host country.
