The Karnataka High Court recently raised concern about a French national continuing to stay in India without permanent residency or citizenship rights.

A single judge bench of Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum was surprised when Deputy Solicitor General of India H Shanthi Bhushan, appearing for the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), told the court that the petitioner had been living in India for the past 15 years on a tourist visa.

Plea Against ‘Leave India’ Notice:

The court was hearing a plea filed by Christophe Stephan Monxion, who sought to quash the ‘Leave India’ notice issued to him on 16.03.2026.

The Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI) submitted that the petitioner has been using a ‘modus operandi’ of periodically travelling back to France and returning to India from time to time. He also told the court that the petitioner, who lives in Gokarna, has set up restaurants there.

Court Questions Long Stay:

“15 years in India on a tourist visa? Running a restaurant?”, the court orally asked the FRRO.

The DSGI responded that it would be best if the French national leaves the country immediately, preferably “on the next available flight.” He added that if the ‘Leave India’ notice is not followed, an FIR could be registered against him.

Court’s Observations in Order

The Court noted in the order:

“ The petitioner has impugned the ‘Leave India’ notice issued against him… During the course of investigation, it has been found that petitioner has violated his tourist visa and that he doesn’t deserve to further stay in India for even a day…The petitioner has been running a business here and has purchased immovable properties. The correspondence from ADGP has also been placed on record…”

When the petitioner’s counsel requested a short adjournment to enable her senior to appear, the court listed the case for Wednesday (April 8). The court also directed the FRRO to give a copy of its report, which had not yet been provided to the petitioner.

The plea also seeks directions to the FRRO to consider the representations submitted by the petitioner on March 24 and 27.

In the interim, the petitioner has sought a stay on the proceedings arising from the ‘Leave India’ notice and has requested that the FRRO be restrained from taking coercive actions, including deportation.

The matter is listed on April 8.

Case Title: Christophe Stephane Monxion v. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office

Case No: WP 10453/2026