The court expressed concern over Greenpeace activist Priya Pillai not being allowed to visit London and government has to draw a line between “nationalism and jingoism”. (Source: Twitter) The court expressed concern over Greenpeace activist Priya Pillai not being allowed to visit London and government has to draw a line between “nationalism and jingoism”. (Source: Twitter)

Greenpeace activist Priya Pillai cannot be allowed to travel to London as she would indulge in anti-national activities there, government told the Delhi High Court on Friday.

Also Read: Greenpeace activist plea challenges her offloading from flight

However, the court termed her not being allowed to visit London as inappropriate, saying the government has to draw a line to distinguish between “nationalism and jingoism”.

Also Read: To stop Greenpeace activist, IB used ‘etc’ clause in Home order

Pillai, who was on January 11 offloaded from a flight to London at the IGI airport here, had sought permission again to visit the British capital to make a presentation before British MPs on alleged human rights violation at Mahan in Madhya Pradesh.

Also Read: HC to Centre: Remove freeze on foreign contributions received by Greenpeace

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, appearing for the Centre, told Justice Rajiv Sakhdher that a lookout circular issued against Pillai on the advice of the Intelligence Bureau was in national interest.

But the court said the government has to draw a line between “nationalism and jingoism”. It said there are many who indulged in anti-national activities but were travelling abroad.

Jain, however, said Pillai’s visit to London was “a serious threat to the nation” and her tickets were from a group on the Home Ministry watchlist. Submitting a set of documents, he said the government was stopping her only for this trip as it has specific IB inputs. The next hearing is on February 18.

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