Bengaluru, May 8 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court on Thursday dismissed a writ petition filed by three minor Pakistani nationals seeking protection from coercive action by immigration authorities, following the revocation of their visas in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

A vacation bench of Justice MG Uma, hearing the matter, upheld the Centre’s decision and observed that revocation of visas was a "conscious decision" taken by the Union Government through the Cabinet Committee on Security to safeguard the interest of Indian citizens.

"The Under Secretary to Government of India passed an order dated April 25 revoking the visa of the Pakistani national. Therefore, the Union of India has taken a conscious decision... I do not find any reason to interfere," the court said, dismissing the plea.

Deputy Solicitor General H Shanthi Bhushan, appearing for the Union Government, informed the court that visas of Pakistani nationals were cancelled post the Pahalgam incident, and they were directed to leave India by April 27. He opposed the petition on grounds that the petitioners had not challenged the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer’s (FRRO) order.

The petition was filed by the minors through their mother, an Indian citizen married to a Pakistani national. According to the plea, they had arrived in India on valid visas in January 2025, which were originally valid till June.

The plea stated that after their return attempt via the Attari border on April 28 failed due to the closure of Pakistan’s border and lack of reception, they were sent back to Mysuru by Indian immigration authorities. Subsequently, a representation was made to the Mysuru Commissioner of Police and FRRO seeking long-term stay or visa extension. The petitioners claimed no action was taken on this.

Apprehending coercive action, the petitioners had urged the High Court to direct authorities to refrain from taking any action against them until May 15, by which time they planned to return to Pakistan after attending a family wedding scheduled for May 12. However, the Court declined to grant interim protection.

Advocates KG Ganesha and SY Suma Dixit appeared for the petitioners. UNI BDN SSP