Aug 21: Australian federal court judge today ordered the Australian government to restore the working Visa of Indian doctor Mohammad Haneef, who were in the lime light last month for alleging relationship to terrorist, who committed crime of failed bomb blast in London, England in June.
A federal court of Brisbane questioned the Australian government to cancel the visa on the basis of alleged association to the terrorist that could not proved. Jeff Spender, the Federal Court judge rebuked government on controversial decision to cancel the work visa and who was a person of interest to British authorities and had been charged with an offence that could not be proved.
The court has also ordered to Kevin Andrews, Australia Immigration minister, who was responsible for 21 days of Haneef’s detention to pay off Haneef's costs.
On responding of court’s decision Andrew said, “I don't think today will be the end of the matter, I think whatever the result in the court today that'll probably end up on appeal and who knows even in the high court one day”.
On the other hand Peter Russo, the defence lawyer of Haneef welcomed the decision of the court, "I would hope the minister will accept the court's decision with good grace and clear the way for Haneef to return to Australia to complete his medical work and specialist studies," said Russo.
"Today's decision may just be just a first step in a legal battle that is not over. He and his family are gratified by the decision, but prepared for further legal battles, if necessary”, added Peter.
He informed that he talked to Haneef and his family on phone over this issue. “The main issue is that he doesn't have a visa, but the other issue is that perhaps his family may not think that it's the wisest thing for him to do", said Russo. Now it is over him and his family to take the future decision weather to return or not, informed the defence lawyer.
Earlier Peter Russo had appealed against the visa cancellation of Dr. Haneef quoting that only the “alleged relation to the terrorist is not enough reason to cancel the visa, if it could not proved.” He disputed the minister's use of the word "association" and questioned whether any relationship with an alleged criminal, even an innocent one, would be enough to justify a visa cancellation.
Haneef, 27, who worked as a junior doctor at the Gold Coast Hospital, was charged with ‘thoughtlessly’ providing support to a terrorist organisation on 14th July. He had been in jailed for 12 days under anti-terror laws before granted bail on July 16, 2007.
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