Priya Pillai case: Will see if we have to appeal, says Kiren Rijiju

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday stated that his ministry has fully honoured the Delhi High Court judgement with regards to activist Priya Pillai's name being blacklisted, however adding that they would see if the case needs to be further appealed or not.

"This is not a final order, and we have not taken a call. We will see if we need to appeal or close the case here. Only one thing I'd like to say is, we give utmost importance to the fundamental rights and the freedom of individuals. At the same time, we should see that India's interest is also protected and India's case shouldn't be fought outside nation. Whatever issues we have, we should deal within the country," said Rijiju.

"If some corrective steps are to be taken, we will definitely honour the court," he added.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court quashed the 'look-out' notice against Greenpeace activist Pillai and directed the authorities to expunge the 'offload' stamp on her passport and take her name off the Intelligence Bureau (IB) blacklist.

This judgment comes after Pillai was barred from boarding a flight to London at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

She was stopped at immigration and her passport was stamped with 'offloaded'.

Pillai was scheduled to address British Parliamentarians on January 14 on the rights of forest communities in India.

Pillai had challenged the government's action in the court saying she had the right to express her opinion on issues, both within and outside India.

The activist hailed the judgment saying it was a victory for democracy.