However the purpose of his visit was based on a religious event.

Hyderabad: A writ petition has been filed in the High Court against an evangelist alleging visa violations.

According to petitioner Kashimshetty Karuna Sagar, a foreign evangelist named Makgabo Mashalane from South Africa is scheduled to visit Hyderabad on July 5 to attend a prayer meeting at a Prophetic & Healing conference organised by pastor Sudhakar Rao at Begumpet.

Mr Karuna Sagar in his petition stated that the foreign evangelist was granted a visit visa or missionary visa, however the purpose of his visit was based on a religious event.

The proposed visit of Mr Makgabo Mashalane was an offence under section 14 (b) of Foreigners act 1946 as it violated the terms of his visit and pastor Sudhakar Rao was abetting him to commit the offence, Mr Karuna Sagar said the petition.

The petition further said, “No visa is granted to foreign preachers and evangelists who desire to come to India for religious events whether on their own or at the invitation of any organisation as per the visa norms and this was clarified by the ministry of Home affairs.”