A High Court judge has asked Home Secretary David Blunkett to reconsider an application for a top Indian chef to remain in the UK.

Taswar Ali, who works for Mumtaz Food in Bradford, is widely credited with bringing top curry dishes to British supermarkets.

Mr Ali, who is unable to read or write, came to England in June 1996 to be with his wife.

But the Home Office immigration authorities say he has no right to remain because that marriage has broken down.

Department support

Mumtaz Khan, chairman of Mumtaz Food, has made a strong plea to the authorities that 35-year-old Mr Ali should be allowed to stay.

He described how his employee had helped to develop Asian cuisine food products now on the shelves of Tesco, Asda and other nationwide food chains.

Mr Justice Sullivan, sitting in London, heard that Mr Ali applied for a work permit in November 2001 when he learned he had "overstayed" his original visa.

The Department of Education and Employment (DEE) indicated to the Home Office that it was prepared to approve his employment for 60 months.

But in January this year, the Home Office refused its permission and said the home secretary "could see no reason to change the decision" that Mr Ali must go.

Initially the chef was arrested for exceeding the time limit on his visa, but Mr Ali claims that his inability to read meant his estranged wife used to take care of all paperwork relating to him.

He claims he was unaware he was living and working in England illegally.

'Inappropriate reasons'

Giving his ruling, Mr Sullivan said: "Although the secretary of state does now address the question whether or not the claimant was aware that he had overstayed his permitted leave, the reason he gave for not accepting the claimant's case is arguably inadequate or inappropriate."

Mr Sullivan adjourned the case allowing Mr Ali more time to continue the attempt to have his deportation order overturned.