A Mapusa court in Goa has sentenced a 19-year-old Ugandan national, Nabukalu Catherine, to one month and 25 days of imprisonment for residing in India without valid documentation. The sentence was handed down on Tuesday after Calangute police apprehended her in March for violating immigration norms.
Court Proceedings and Plea
The court imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on Catherine after she pleaded guilty to contravening provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Before accepting her plea, the presiding judge explained the potential consequences, including imprisonment and financial penalty, and clarified that pleading guilty would not automatically lead to leniency. Despite being given time to reconsider, Catherine affirmed that her plea was voluntary, informed, and made following legal advice.
Judgment and Sentence
The court accepted the plea, noting that Catherine was "honest enough to plead guilty at the first available opportunity." It ordered that the time she had already spent in custody be set off against the sentence. The court directed the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) to arrange her deportation and instructed the Calangute police to follow up on the matter.
This case highlights the strict enforcement of immigration laws in Goa, a popular tourist destination. Authorities continue to monitor foreign nationals to ensure compliance with visa regulations and prevent overstays.
