Foreigners Cannot Run Businesses on Tourist Visas, Clarifies Karnataka High Court

The Karnataka High Court held that foreign nationals cannot operate restaurants or engage in commercial activities while staying in India on a tourist visa.

The case arose from action taken against individuals running a restaurant despite holding only tourist visas. The Court emphasised that visa conditions clearly restrict such visas to tourism-related purposes and prohibit business or employment activities.

It observed that allowing such violations would defeat immigration regulations and create regulatory concerns.

Upholding the action taken by authorities, the Court reiterated that foreigners must strictly adhere to the terms and conditions of their visa while in India.