The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a two-week notice to French journalist Vanessa Dougnac, revoking her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status, which it declared had “violated” the law.
A report published by the Foreign Affairs Regional Office (FRRO) as of January 18 stated that Vanessa Dougnac’s report created a “negative impression of India”. She was also accused of “operating media without the special authorization and permission required under the Citizenship Act 1955 of the Constitution and the rules issued in accordance with it,”
She has been living in India for 22 years and is married to an Indian citizen, writes for French publications like Le Point and La Croix, and Swiss as well as Belgian daily newspapers such as Le Temps and Le Soir from South Asia.
Dougnac confirmed in a public statement that, ” I can confirm that I have received a notice from the concerned department of the Government of India, and that I deny all the allegations and imputations made therein against me and my conduct.” She also claimed that India is her home that is deeply respected by her and that she will never engage in any such activity that shall be prejudicial to Indian interests.
She added that there is a legal process to deal with such matters which will be cooperated by her but her privacy should be respected during the time.
The development comes days before the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron who is the chief guest at the Republic Day parade this year.
