HC breather for German national

German national Manfred Keiler can breathe easy for a while. The Bombay High Court on Monday granted him protection till February 28 against a Leave India Notice issued by the Mumbai police.

The HC is currently hearing a petition filed by Keiler, former general manager of InterContinental – The Grand, near the Sahar airport. Keiler’s service was terminated by the hotel following which he was issued a notice on January 31 to leave the country within ten days. 

Keilor’s suit challenging his dismissal from the hotel is pending in the City Civil Court. His petition alleged that the police had misused its power under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and had issued the notice at the behest of the hotel authorities, who have “illegally” terminated his services. On Monday, additional solicitor general BA Desai argued that an employment visa was co-terminus with an employment contract.

He said that the government’s absolute right to evict any foreigner from the country had been upheld in several judgments handed down by the Supreme Court. However, the judge pointed out that the right should be exercised in fairness.

The matter will be heard on at the end of the month — February 28.