Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (Photo: AP-Yonhap News)
Australia's controversial decision to ban travel from India is being challenged in a Federal Court.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended the measures aimed at preventing the spread of infections from COVID-wracked India.
Under the rules set to run until May 15, anyone who tries to enter the country, including Australian citizens, could face up to five years in jail or a fine of roughly 50,000 dollars.
The BBC's Shaimaa Khalil reports from Sydney.
[Reporter]
Gary Newman, who's normally based in Melbourne, had traveled to India to visit friends in March 2020, and has been stuck there ever since.
His lawyers launched the challenge to the federal court in Sydney, arguing that the Health Minister Greg Hunt's emergency declaration under the Biosecurity Act is invalid under constitutional grounds and is in breach of an implied freedom to return home.
Australia's threat to jail citizens coming from India has sparked condemnation, with critics labeling the COVID measure as racist and a breach of human rights.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has dismissed accusations of racism.
– which Health Minister Greg Hunt enacted
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