Staunch Hindu leader Gautam Khattar allowed to visit Mauritius!

Case relating to the alleged insult to Francis Xavier
Court proceedings are underway in a case relating to the alleged insult of Francis Xavier at an event held in Goa in April.

Vasco (Goa) – In an important order, the First-Class Magistrate here allowed staunch Hindutva leader Gautam Khattar to participate as a speaker in an international conference in Mauritius. While approving the permission sought from June 18^th to 21^st, the Court also imposed some conditions. An investigation is underway in a case concerning the alleged insult of Francis Xavier by Khattar. The Court gave relief to Khattar by clarifying that ‘he is only an accused; therefore, he cannot be stopped from travelling abroad’. Advocate Nagesh Joshi appeared in the Court on behalf of Khattar in this case.

What is the case about?

Gautam Khattar, who was present as a speaker at a program held at Tilak Maidan, Kharewado, Vasco on April 18^th, allegedly made objectionable remarks against Francis Xavier. A case was registered under Sections 299 and 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, under Case No. 44/2026 at Vasco Police Station on April 19. Further investigation of the case was later handed over to the Crime Branch. Khattar was granted bail within a few days after his arrest in this case. However, as a condition of bail, he was barred from leaving India without the Court’s written permission.

Advocate Nagesh Joshi’s argument!

Khattar’s advocate Nagesh Joshi, while arguing before the Court, said that Gautam Khattar has been invited as a ‘guest speaker’ in the ‘Second International India-Mauritius Sanatan Cultural Conference 2026’ to be held in Mauritius on June 20. This invitation has been extended by the spiritual guru H.H. Shri Shri 1008 Dr Sachindranathji Maharaj. This visit is purely spiritual and educational in nature and will not have any impact on the merits of the ongoing criminal case. Therefore, he should be allowed to travel.

Government lawyers and investigating officers had objected to this trip.

The Court’s decision and conditions

After hearing the arguments of both the sides, Magistrate Purva V. Naik said that the apprehensions of the prosecution can be addressed by imposing appropriate conditions. The Court clarified in its order that the applicant will be allowed to travel only from India to Mauritius and back from June 18th to 21st. Before leaving India, the applicant will have to submit a copy of his air tickets and full travel details to the Court and the investigating officer. After returning to India from Mauritius, the applicant will have to appear before the investigating officer immediately. This permission cannot be misused to travel to any other country.