HYDERABAD: Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy group, has filed a complaint with the Ministry of Home Affairs against American evangelist William Samuel Winston, also known as Bill Winston, for allegedly violating Indian visa norms by participating in religious gatherings. LRPF in its complaint to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer of Hyderabad region stated that Winston, who has been a regular speaker at ‘Hyderabad Faith Conference’ which has been organised since 2010, has continuously disregarded India’s visa restrictions for foreign nationals.
According to LRPF’s complaint, Winston, the founder of Bill Winston Ministries based in Oak Park, Illinois, is invited to attend this year’s ‘Hyderabad Faith Conference’ which is scheduled from October 18 to 21, at Sri Vivekananda Institute of Technology’s Auditorium in Secunderabad. LRPF alleges his participation in religious activity directly breaches Section 14(b) of the Foreigners Act, 1946, which prohibits foreign nationals on any visa type from engaging in religious activities in India.
“Since foreigners with any type of visa are not allowed to participate in religious activities in India, this is a blatant violation of Indian visa laws,” reads LRPF’s complaint to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office in Hyderabad. They have demanded immediate investigation and action from the Ministry of Home Affairs to uphold the country’s visa policies and prevent further violations.
Speaking to Organiser, LRPF informed that they are approaching the Indian Consulate in Chicago seeking cancellation of his visa.
This ongoing case brings attention to the broader issue of foreign evangelists allegedly exploiting visa regulations, sparking a larger debate on respecting India’s religious laws and visa restrictions.
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