Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said visitors from across the globe wishing to explore India for tourism, education, healthcare, or business ventures are warmly welcomed, however, any individuals posing a threat to national security will face strict repercussions.

This statement came during a Lok Sabha discussion on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which aims to enhance the safety and security of the country while also promoting economic growth and development in the education and healthcare sectors.

The Lok Sabha has officially passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, following a voice vote that dismissed numerous amendments proposed by opposition members. Shah reiterated the intention behind the legislation, ensuring that India will maintain comprehensive oversight of all foreigners entering the country.

“It is crucial that we are aware of who visits India, their purpose for coming, and the duration of their stay,” he noted after a three-hour debate. He assured that the bill would not only bolster security but also pave the way for India to become a leading global power by 2047.

The new legislation outlines severe penalties for those caught using forged travel documents. Offenders may face up to seven years in prison and fines reaching ₹10 lakh for entering, staying, or exiting India under false pretenses. It also mandates that accommodations, universities, and healthcare facilities report information about foreign guests, facilitating the tracking of individuals who may overstay their visas.

Under the proposed law, anyone found entering India without proper documentation could be imprisoned for up to five years or fined up to ₹5 lakh or both. Furthermore, the central government is granted authority to regulate areas frequented by foreigners, including the potential closure of establishments non-compliant with the new requirements.

This bill seeks to repeal and consolidate several outdated laws governing immigration and foreigner registration, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939, the Foreigners Act of 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act of 2000. While retaining many existing provisions from these laws, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 introduces new regulations to address contemporary immigration challenges.

Overall, this comprehensive legislation aims to foster a balance between national security and the promotion of tourism and economic growth while simplifying regulatory frameworks and easing business operations in India. The government anticipates that it will effectively address issues surrounding illegal immigration and facilitate better oversight of foreigners in the country.

On Thursday, Ramji Lal Suman, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Samajwadi Party, stated that he would not apologize for his comments regarding Rana Sanga, asserting that history cannot be disputed.

In an interview with PTI, Suman revealed that his home was attacked with the intent to harm his family and that he has reported the incident to the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

The Karni Sena staged a demonstration outside Suman’s residence in reaction to his remarks about the historical Rajput ruler Rana Sanga.

Following the attack, which allegedly involved members of the Karni Sena, Agra police filed an FIR against an “unknown mob” on March 27. The FIR was filed under charges of rioting, attempted murder, house trespassing, and robbery, based on a complaint by Suman’s son, Ranjeet Suman, at the Hariparwat Police Station.

Ramgopal Yadav, a leader from the Samajwadi Party who visited Suman’s home, claimed the attack was premeditated, suggesting that authorities were aware of the impending violence but failed to act beforehand.

Suman was recently recorded saying that Rana Sanga was a “traitor” for bringing Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. Notably, Rana Sanga, also known as Sangram Singh I, ruled Mewar from 1508 to 1528.

“I will not apologize in this life; I do not know about the next life,” Suman reiterated on March 27, the day after the alleged attack by Karni Sena members. He emphasized the need for acceptance of historical truths, elaborating that Babur was invited by Rana Sanga to defeat Ibrahim Lodi, and described the subsequent events of their conflict, insisting, “This is history, who can deny it?”

In response to Suman’s remarks, Suraj Pal Singh Amu, chief of the Karni Sena, stated that these comments disrespected a hero who fought against the Mughals and demanded apologies from both Suman and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav.

On Wednesday, a large group of Karni Sena activists vandalized Suman’s home near Hari Parvat Chauraha in Agra, damaging cars, breaking furniture, and shattering windows. Videos captured the chaotic scene as a few police officers confronted the rioting crowd, with one officer sustaining injuries in the process.

Suman expressed concerns for his family’s safety, saying, “I met with the Rajya Sabha Chairman and informed him about the threats I had received since March 22 on social media, and they came to my house with a bulldozer yesterday.”

He described the occurrence as a life-threatening attack, stating, “They broke all the glass, destroyed cars in the colony… their intention was to ruin my family.” This incident coincided with a public event in the city attended by Chief Minister Adityanath.

Comedian Kunal Kamra is facing escalating backlash from Maharashtra’s political leadership, with state minister Shambhuraj Desai on Thursday issuing a stern warning, saying Kamra will soon receive the “prasad of Shiv Sena” for his repeated satire targeting prominent leaders including Eknath Shinde, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Desai’s comments came in response to Kamra reposting parody videos from his show in Mumbai, where he mockingly referred to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “traitor” — a jab at Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which split the Shiv Sena.

“Patience is running out,” warns Desai

In a sharp statement, Desai accused Kamra of “crossing all limits” and claimed the comic was deliberately insulting senior political figures. He said, “Wherever he’s hiding, we will drag him out. Now it’s time to give him ‘prasad’.” Desai also pointed to the earlier attack on Kamra’s studio in Mumbai’s Khar area by Shiv Sena workers, saying their anger was already evident.

“We are ministers and MLAs, but first we are Shiv Sainiks. Our patience is running out,” Desai added, calling Kamra’s parodies provocative and intentional.

References to police action and third-degree treatment

Desai went a step further by invoking police action, suggesting Kamra may face more than just legal consequences. “Police give ‘prasad’ to accused using tyres. It’s time to give the same to Kamra,” he said, referencing a controversial method often associated with custodial abuse, sparking concerns over the tone of the warning.

The minister also said that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured action against Kamra under the law and challenged the comic to face the Shiv Sena openly.

Kamra’s videos at the center of controversy

Kamra recently reposted clips from his show at The Habitat in Mumbai. One of the parody songs, based on Hum Honge Kamyaab, featured visuals of the post-show studio vandalism, allegedly carried out by Shinde supporters. In another clip uploaded Wednesday, Kamra spoofed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman using Hawa Hawai from Mr. India.

The controversy, which began with political satire, has now turned into a high-tension standoff between the comedian and Maharashtra’s ruling leaders.