A Thai court today annulled the expulsion order against prominent Bangkok-based Indian businessman Satish Sehgal for allegedly participating in anti-government demonstrations, ruling that the then civilian regime's move was biased.
Former Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung had issued the expulsion order on allegations that 70-year-old Sehgal had joined demonstrations, defying emergency decree against the then ruling Pheu Thai government led by Yingluck Shinawatra.
The Thai Civil Court today ruled that the process that led to the issuance of the order was biased and violated the court's earlier order that prohibited then premier Yingluck's government from announcing the state of emergency.
In February this year, when Thailand was in the throes of anti-government protests, the then Interior Ministry's immigration committee voted to deport Sehgal for allegedly defying emergency decree of the Pheu Thai Government.
However, Sehgal, who has lived in Thailand for 65 years, had said he had not received anything in writing or any formal allegation of wrongdoing.
"I am innocent, I did not do anything wrong. I have not been investigated by police or any officials," Sehgal, who has a publishing business, said in February.
The move calling for Seghal's deportation came after he took part in anti-government protests after the emergency decree was announced.
