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The Foreigners Regional Registration Office has summoned Delhi-based correspondent of Time magazine Alex Perry to 'explain' alleged possession of more than one passport, barely a few days after his report commenting on the health of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was published in the London-based publication.
"It has come to our knowledge that Perry possesses two British passports and he has been called to given an explanation," an official of the FRRO said in New Delhi.
The official said Perry had so far not responded, as he is said to be away from the city.
"As he was not available, a letter calling him to FRRO office to New Delhi was got delivered by hand to someone close to him," the official said, adding, "We are awaiting his response."
The letter had asked Perry to appear in person in the FRRO office by Thursday with his two passports and a registration certificate, failing which legal action would be initiated against him.
Time magazine office has sought time till June 26, citing that Perry was away on an assignment.
The article had created a furore with the government taking strong exception and terming it as 'completely biased' and 'baseless'.
"Our views in this regard have been made known to the editor," an external affairs ministry spokesperson said earlier.
"It certainly doesn't fall into the category of reporting expected from Time magazine," she said.
A Time magazine official said Perry would appear at the FRRO office on Friday after he returns from Manali where he is on an assignment.
"It is a government notice which cannot be ignored," the official said.
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