Cancellation of historian visa to be reviewed: HM

Heehs was asked to leave the country after he had spent nearly four decades while working on a project of digitisation and archival of works of freedom fighter and spiritual leader Sri Aurobindo.

"This (decision to cancel the visa) was noticed by me this morning and I understand that the FRRO Puducherry passed the order. I have asked for a suo motu review and am told that the file would be submitted to me on Monday and I will take a decision on Monday," Chidambaram told reporters after presenting the monthly report of his ministry.

The American historian, who is an inmate of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, was told by the Regional Registration Office at Puducherry that his visa will not be extended. Some historians had protested against the move of cancelling his visa and had also petitioned Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram for reconsideration of decision.