Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 29: Amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan over the recent Pahalgam tragedy and resultant cancelation of civilian as well as some diplomatic visas by either side, a CRPF personnel of the UT has knocked the doors of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, seeking legal recognition of his “online marriage” with a woman of Pakistani origin.
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After listening to Advocate Ankur Sharma, appearing for the petitioner Munir Ahmed, and DSGI Vishal Sharma, and Monika Kohli, appearing for the Government of India, J&K Government, and other respondents, Justice Rahul Bharti sought their response regarding the validity of the marriage.
In a detailed order, Justice Bharti observed that the petitioner, Munir Ahmed, is an Indian citizen who claims to have solemnized an online “nikah” with a Pakistani woman, Menal Khan, who entered India on a tourist visa that expired on March 22, 2025.
The court noted that the petitioner has produced wedding cards showing the place of nikah as Handwal, Jammu, but the marriage actually occurred online, with the bride in Pakistan and the groom in J&K.
The court further noted that the petitioner claimed that he informed his employer about the proposed marriage and had given November 5, 2023, as the intended date.
“However, the marriage did not take place in person as Menal Khan never entered India by then, nor did Munir Ahmed travel to Pakistan,” noted the court.
It said following the Pahalgam tragedy, in which 26 civilians were killed, the Government of India revoked all Pakistani tourist visas and enforced immediate exit orders.
“Menal Khan was initially placed under an exit permit, but her request for a long-term visa under a 2014 MHA policy is under consideration. Her current stay in India is without a valid visa,” the court said.
Justice Rahul Bharti observed that Menal Khan’s stay would depend on the decision of the Government of India.
“If granted a long-term visa, she could continue living in India as Munir Ahmed’s wife; otherwise, she would have to return to Pakistan,” the court observed.
As such, the Court issued notice to the respondents, with DSGI Vishal Sharma accepting on behalf of the Government of India and Senior AAG Monika Kohli accepting the same on behalf of the J&K Government and other respondents.
The respondents have been granted 10 days to file their response. The matter will now be heard on May 14, 2025.
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