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With the recent terror attack in Pahalgam leading to India's withdrawal of visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme and instructiing Pakistan citizens to leave Indian soil in 48 hours, Seema Haider has once again made headlines. Seema had previously stolen the limelight in 2023 when she illegally crossed the Indian border through Nepal to meet her now husband, Sachin Meena from Greater Noida.
Advocate AP Singh, commanding the likes of Seema Haider, revealed on Thursday, 24 April, that she does not hold Pakistani citizenship anymore. Singh's argument rests on the fact that marrying Sachin Meena and having a child with him named Bharti Meena somehow and legally ties her citizenship which Seema puts forth as free of obligations from the state's recently imposed restrictions on Pakistani citizens.
“Seema can no longer be considered a Pakistani national. Her citizenship is bound to her Indian husband now — which means, the order issued in respect of the Pakistani citizens cannot pertain to her,” Singh defended.
Complying with Condition of Indian Legislation
Singh further noted that Seema’s case is distinct because it is currently being pursued by India’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). He has also mentioned that Seema has complied with every Jewar court condition, including remaining at her in-laws house in Rabupura, Greater Noida.
Pleading Towards the President & Memorandum of International Treaties
Pointing out global frameworks, Singh argued, “The International Court of Justice and the Indenture Act more than confirm that a mother is the foremost guardian of her child. It would be arbitrary to think of an Indian born child being sent over to Pakistan.”
Singh has also submitted a supporting petition to the President of India on Seema’s behalf, claiming that her marriage and motherhood entail an Indian nationality acquisition.
Documentary Evidence Validating Indian Integration
“Norms of Indian identity include Seema considering as Indian Meena the birth certificate issued by the Government of Uttar Pradesh puts Seema Meena as mother and Sachin Meena as father” the lawyer further explained.
Guardianship Act invoked to exempt the subject from the law
Regarding the possibility of Seema’s exemption from the Centre’s directive, Singh underscored that under the Guardianship Act a child is to remain with the mother which means she satisfies the conditions for exemption from forcible relocation.
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