American Gandhian seeks Indian citizenship

A bench headed by Justice P Sathasivam asked “the Indian government to look into the matter.’’

Attorney General G E Vahanvati responded by saying that it would be looked into by the government if he has filed a proper application for citizenship.

Jeff Knaebel, who appeared in person to argue his case claimed that he had been in Pune in India for the past 15 years and has been following Gandhian principles.

Knaebel, a civil engineer, had been wearing khadi and spreading Gandhian philosophy through his lectures at various places in India.

The 71-year-old was involved in various activities in the path of Mahatma Gandhi in Pune in Maharashtra and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, said the petition.

The police in the country had been harassing him as he had destroyed his American passport and strewn the shredded pieces on the ‘Samadhi’ of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in 2009, said the petition adding that he had applied for Indian citizenship following due procedure.