New Delhi: French journalist Vanessa Dougnac has departed India amidst a dispute over the cancellation of her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, citing an inability to await the outcome of the legal process initiated by the government.Today, I am leaving India, the country where I came 25 years ago as a student, and where I have worked for 23 years as a journalist. The place where I married, raised my son, and which I call my home, stated Dougnac, who serves as the South Asia Correspondent for French publications La Croix and Le Point, Swiss newspaper Le Temps, and Belgian daily Le Soir.Notice of OCI card cancellation and departure from IndiaLast month, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office issued a notice to Dougnac, questioning the validity of her OCI card and citing her alleged engagement in journalistic activities without appropriate authorization under the Citizenship Act 1955 and its related regulations.In response to the governments claims that her articles were malicious and detrimental to the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, Dougnac expressed that her departure from India was not a voluntary decision but a response to government pressure.International attention on the matterThe issue surrounding Dougnacs OCI card cancellation gained international attention and was raised during delegation-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron, who attended Indias Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest, was apprised of the situation by Indian authorities.As Dougnac bids farewell to India, the controversy surrounding her departure underscores the complexities of diplomatic relations and press freedom in a global context. The outcome of her legal challenge remains to be seen, but her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in her longstanding connection with the country.
