Overview
- Justice N J Jamadar ordered the FRRO to process James Leonard Watson’s exit-permit application within two days, giving due regard to the sessions court’s February 27 travel order.
- The court held that a judicial order cannot be diluted through indirect administrative action and must be obeyed unless set aside by a higher forum.
- The FRRO had refused to act on March 10 after police raised objections, prompting Watson to seek High Court intervention.
- Watson, a US national booked by Bhiwandi/Thane police, faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Maharashtra Black Magic Act, and the Foreigners Act over alleged attempted religious conversion.
- He is on bail with a travel-permission condition and was allowed to visit the United States from March 9 to April 18 to attend to his mother’s cancer treatment, while the State says it has challenged the travel permission.