New Delhi: Pakistani citizen Seema Haider, who entered India without a visa after falling in love with an Indian man, filed mercy petition to President Droupadi Murmu seeking permission to stay at her ‘matrimonial home’ in Greater Nodia.
Haider met Sachin Meena virtually in 2019 while playing online game PUBG and fell for each other instantly.
The 38-page petition filed by Haider's lawyer, AP Singh has drawn examples of a few Bollywood personalities staying in India without citizenship, and some receiving citizenship after long stay.
It also cited government slogans to support Haiders’ arguments, The Indian Express reported.
Seeking an oral hearing from the president in her case, the petition argued that the ‘motive of the Indian culture is live and let live and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family).’
‘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,’ the petition reportedly stated.
The petition cited the example of Pakistani singer Adnan Sami who ‘ got citizenship of India due to his longtime stay in India’ in 2016, adding that Seema should be given Indian citizenship on the same grounds.
Bringing up the example of Alia Bhatt, the petition cited the actress as having revealed her ineligibility to vote in India as the nation does not accord dual citizenship.
The petition also pointed out that Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has been staying in India for long in spite of being a Canadian citizen.
Haider was arrested on July on charges of entering the nation without visa and was kept in a facility for immigrants.
Meena, also held for his involvement in the case, was released along with Haider on July on bail and the couple has since been living together with her four children from previous marriage in Rabupura.
Earlier this week, Anti-Terrorist Squad of Uttar Pradesh Police quizzed the couple for two days.