New Delhi, June 11 (FN Representative) The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition of US citizen Claude David Convisser, seeking asylum in India and an extension of VISA, because he is facing persecution in his country as he follows the Hindu faith. A Vacation Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta dismissed the petition and remarked that the US government and the courts there would take care of his safety. The Union of India submitted that it would take time for his application for asylum to be considered. Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee told the court that the VISA for India to Claude was granted on December 11, 2023, for 365 days. The visa expires on December 9, 2024. It does not expire tomorrow, but you cannot stay at a particular place for more than six months at a stretch, so he has to go back to the next country and come back, the ASG said. The ASG further said, “I am not in the capacity to advise him, but his VISA expires on December 9, 2024. Petitioner, Claude said, “If I leave India, I will be re-cornered, and they will do all kinds of things to me—imprison me, torture me in person…”Justice Mehta asked, “Are you facing any prosecution in the US?”To this, Claude replied, “I am not facing prosecution.
But the last two times I have been to the US, they caused a car accident… It is persecution if you can’t drive a car without being driven off the road and into a tree. I am lucky to be alive today.” The bench then said, “No, we are not here to take care of you. Your Government will take care of you.”Justice Metha said, “There are courts in the US to take care of your issues.”Justice Vikram Nath asked Claude, “The law in the US is much more… Is it not as good as in India?” Petitioner replied, “Absolutely not.” Justice Nath remarked on a lighter note, “My country is better than your country? Can you make that public statement that this country is better than yours?” Justice Mehta said, referring to his petition. The bench concluded, “We are dismissing your petition.” On the last hearing, the Supreme Court asked the Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee to get instructions from the Union Government in a petition filed by an American citizen who claims to be a follower of spiritual guru Sri Maata Anandmayee, seeking asylum in India.The petitioner’s case is that he has discovered an alternative to petroleum and cannot go back to the United States as he will be persecuted there.