NEW DELHI, May 10: India’s top court says that an 82-year-old Pakistani scientist convicted of murder in India but who is out on bail while he appeals his case may travel to his country for a six-month visit with his family.

However, the PTI news agency reports that the court has ordered Mohammed Khalil Chishti to return to India by Nov 1 for the appeal of his conviction in Ajmer.

Mr Chishti came to India in 1992 to see his ailing mother in Ajmer. He became involved in a property dispute with relatives and fatally shot a neighbour. He was convicted of murder last year, but was released last month on bail and has been staying with relatives.

Talking to media, Mr Chishti said he was thankful to the Indian apex court.

President Asif Ali Zardari had taken the issue with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his day-long visit to the country last month.—Agencies