New Delhi, March 16 -- Manikarnika Dutta, a historian and researcher of University of Oxford, is facing the threat of deportation from the UK due to her extensive research trips to India. The Home Office has rejected her application for indefinite leave to remain, citing that she exceeded the permissible number of days abroad under the long residency rule.

Dutta, 37, conducted the research as part of her academic commitments to the University of Oxford, which involved studying archives in cities in India and attending international conferences.

In October last year she applied for indefinite leave to remain in the UK based on long residence. Manikarnika Dutta's husband also applied. His application was granted, while hers was refused. ...