Despite the US fully resuming visa operations, demand for tourist and business (B1/B2) visas continues to exceed available appointment slots, creating major backlogs across US consulates in India. Wait times in Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai range from 7.5 to 13.5 months, with Chennai facing the longest delay at 13.5 months. These prolonged delays are disrupting.

Travel for family functions, weddings, business events, and emergencies. Priority appointments remain limited, offering little relief even in urgent cases. Business professionals are among the worst hit. With no clear or predictable appointment system, applicants are left checking the portal repeatedly without success, making travel planning extremely difficult.

The US has announced visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of Indian travel agencies accused of knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. Mission India’s Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service work daily across the embassy and consulates to identify and target those involved in illegal immigration, human.

Indian applicants seeking U.S. B1/B2 visas are encountering unprecedented delays, with wait times now extending beyond a year in several major cities. This situation is significantly impacting travel plans for business, tourism, and personal emergencies.

Extended Wait Times Across Major Cities

• Chennai: 13.5 months
• Delhi: 9 months
• Mumbai: 9.5 months
• Hyderabad: 7.5 months

These prolonged delays are causing applicants to miss critical events such as weddings, business conferences, and family gatherings. For instance, a homemaker planning to attend her nephew’s wedding in August found the earliest available appointment was in March of the following year, rendering her unable to attend.

Impact on Travelers

The extended wait times are affecting various categories of travelers.

• Business Travelers: Professionals are facing challenges in attending international conferences and meetings, leading to potential financial losses and missed opportunities.
• Tourists: Individuals planning leisure trips are forced to postpone or cancel their plans due to the unavailability of timely visa appointments.
• Family Emergencies: Applicants aiming to visit the U.S. for urgent family matters, such as childbirth or medical emergencies, are unable to secure appointments in time.

While students and emergency travelers are given limited priority slots, general applicants looking to visit family, attend events, or explore travel opportunities.

Underlying Causes

Despite the U.S. fully resuming visa operations, the demand for tourist and business (B1/B2) visas continues to far exceed available appointment The U.S. Department of State acknowledges these delays and advises applicants to plan their travel well in advance. They also suggest that applicants regularly check the appointment scheduling system for any earlier slots that may become available due to cancellations.

Recommendations for Applicants

• Early Planning: Initiate the visa application process as early as possible to accommodate potential delays.
• Regular Monitoring: Frequently check the appointment scheduling system for any earlier slots that may open up.
• Consider Interview Waivers: Applicants renewing their visas or meeting specific criteria may be eligible for interview waivers, potentially expediting the process.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of updates from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates regarding visa processing times and appointment availability.

The prolonged wait times for U.S. B1/B2 visas are causing significant disruptions for Indian travelers. Applicants are advised to plan ahead, explore all available options, and remain patient as they navigate the visa application process

Indian applicants for U.S. B1/B2 visas are facing unprecedented delays, with wait times now exceeding one year in major cities. Chennai reports the longest delay at 13.5 months, followed by Delhi and Mumbai at approximately 9 to 9.5 months, and Hyderabad at 7.5 months. These prolonged wait times are disrupting travel plans for family events, business engagements.

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The Indian Supreme Court (SC) is hearing petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which was enacted into law last month. Chief Justice BR Gavai stated that laws passed by Parliament are assumed to be constitutional, and courts cannot intervene unless there is a clear and serious problem. The apex court identified three key issues: Waqf by user.

The nomination of non-Muslims to the Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, and the identification of government land as Waqf property. The Centre had assured it would not proceed on these matters until the case was settled. However, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioners, opposed this. Sibal argued that the Act.

Is designed to seize Waqf lands without due process, and that only a person who has practised Islam for at least five years can create a Waqf. Chief Justice Gavai responded that there is a presumption of Constitutionality in legislation passed by Parliament and that courts cannot interfere unless a glaring case is made out New Delhi, May 20: Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y.

Chandrachud, along with Justice B.R. Gavial, made a significant observation during a Supreme Court hearing regarding the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act, 1995. In a statement that could have far-reaching implications, Justice Gavial remarked that “courts cannot interfere unless a glaring case is made out. The remark came during the hearing of a petition that.

Challenged certain provisions of the Waqf Act, citing alleged violation of constitutional principles such as equality before law, secularism, and property rights. The petitioner argued that the Act conferred excessive powers on the Waqf Boards and allowed encroachment on private property under the pretext of religious administration Justice Gavai, while responding.

To the petitioner’s counsel, emphasized the constitutional limits within which the judiciary operates. “Every religious or charitable trust—be it Hindu, Christian, or Muslim—has its own framework under the law. Unless a glaring violation of constitutional rights is demonstrated, judicial interference would be unwarranted,” he stated The bench questioned whether.

The petitioner had established sufficient grounds to show that the Act was inherently discriminatory or arbitrary. “We are not here to sit in judgment over Parliament’s legislative competence unless it is shown that the law is manifestly unconstitutional,” CJI Chandrachud added The Waqf Act, 1995, governs the administration of waqf properties—assets donated for.

Religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. The Act provides for the creation of State Waqf Boards to manage such properties and address related disputes. Over the years, it has been the subject of several legal controversies, particularly concerning land ownership and the scope of powers exercised by the Waqf Boards The petitioner contended that the Act enables.

Waqf Boards to unilaterally declare properties as waqf without due legal process, thereby infringing on the property rights of individuals. The counsel also cited instances where people discovered that their land was classified as waqf only during transactions or legal disputes Justice Gavai acknowledged that concerns regarding land ownership and procedural fairness.

Important but reiterated the need for clear constitutional breaches before striking down any law. “You may have individual grievances, but that does not automatically render the entire Act unconstitutional,” he said The court advised the petitioner to pursue remedies through civil courts in cases of disputed property classification. CJI Chandrachud remarked someone.

Land has been wrongly notified as waqf, they have the right to challenge it. But that is a matter of individual litigation, not a ground to annul the statute itself Legal.

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Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal has confirmed his exit from Priyadarshan’s Hera Pheri 3 film, despite rumors of creative differences. In an interview with Mid-Day, Rawal revealed that he chose not to return to the franchise due to feeling unappealing in the role. He denied any creative differences with the director and revealed that remuneration was not one of reasons.

Fhis decision to quit the film Paresh said that he loved Priyadarshan and had great respect and faith in him as a director. He also mentioned that Akshay and Suniel were informed of his decision and that the filmmaker “tried to change his mind” but didn’t pursue it further after he decided to walk out of the film The Hera Pheri franchise is one of the most iconic comedy film.

Series in Indian cinema, featuring the iconic trio Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. The film became a cult classic, known for its slapstick humor, memorable dialogues, and the unforgettable character of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, played by Rawal After Rawal’s exit, some internet users believed the film wouldn’t be made, as it wouldn’t be the same.

Without the actor’s character, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte In other news, there have been rumors about Akshay Kumar sueing Rawal for ₹25 crores as damages for sabotaging Hera Pheri 3 Mumbai, May 20: Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has opened up about his initial hesitation to return for Hera Pheri 3, revealing that director Priyadarshan made a personal effort to.

Convince him to reconsider his decision. The actor, who plays the iconic character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, said he had serious reservations about being part of the third installment of the beloved comedy franchise In a recent interview, Rawal admitted that he had considered walking away from Hera Pheri 3 due to concerns about the script and the direction.

There was a time when I genuinely felt it might be better to step back. I didn’t want to do something just for the sake of nostalgia or commercial success. I just felt it is a role that deserves dignity and proper treatment,” Rawal stated The Hera Pheri series, which started in 2000, has become a cult classic, largely due to the chemistry between its lead trio—Akshay.

Kumar as Raju, Suniel Shetty as Shyam, and Paresh Rawal as the unforgettable Baburao. Over the years, fans have repeatedly demanded a third film, but the project has faced multiple delays and changes in creative leadership According to Rawal, it was director Priyadarshan—who directed the first film—that reached out personally to address his doubts and rekindle his.

Interest in reprising the role. “Priyan sir called me and said, ‘This character is yours. No one else can do it justice.’ That meant a lot. His conviction and vision helped me see that this could still be something special,” Rawal said He also acknowledged that while the industry has changed and comedy trends have evolved, certain characters remain timeless. “Baburao.

Funny character; he has heart, depth, and innocence. People connect with him. So I realized that if done well, the magic can return,” he added The third installment, which is now back on track with the original trio, is being helmed by Farhad Samji, though Priyadarshan has reportedly offered creative input in an advisory capacity. The film promises to retain flavor.

The original while introducing a fresh storyline that builds on the characters’ journey Rawal emphasized the importance of creative integrity in reviving iconic franchises. “Audiences today are very sharp. They can tell when some.

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