THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Expressing concern over repeated delays by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Mumbai, in processing X-1 visa applications, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed a senior FRRO official to appear before it in person, noting that similar delays have resulted in several petitions being filed before the Court.
The Division Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Hiten Venegavkar issued the direction on Wednesday while hearing a petition filed by Evgeniia Balakeni against the Bureau of Immigration and others.
The Court noted that during the previous hearing, counsel for the FRRO, Mumbai had sought time to obtain instructions on when the petitioner's visa application would be processed. However, when the matter came up again, the advocate informed the Bench that no instructions had been received from the FRRO.
Taking serious note of the delay, the Bench observed that at least four other petitions involving the same issue were pending before it against the FRRO, Mumbai.
"We also take note that the very same FRRO, Mumbai has not less than another four petitions pending before us on roughly the same issue, namely the grant of X-1 visas or visas for children of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders," the Court said.
Observing that the delay in processing such applications was leading to a growing number of cases before the Court, the Bench directed FRRO Mumbai official Pratik Khatal (SA/E) to remain personally present before the Court on July 28, 2026, at 10.30 am.
The Court also directed the Registrar (Judicial) to send a copy of the order to the FRRO, Mumbai through its official email.
As an interim measure, the Bench ordered that no coercive action should be taken against the petitioners until the next hearing on July 28.
