"This should not be made an issue. These are matters of normal processes of legal rights. There is not any special decision that is being taken by the Congress government anywhere either in the state or at the Centre," he said in response to repeated queries on the issue.

Noting that under the existing provisions, a PIO can visit the country without any visa and that Rushdie could be possibly be trying to come here likewise, he added "but the implications of legal rights that overseas Indians have... can be tested before competent authority or before the courts, if the need be."

Khurshid, who is also Minority Affairs Minister and a key face of Congress in the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, said that he has noted the "expression of concern" that has come from many quarters and will "definitely convey" it to the government.

Noted Islamic seminary Deoband has demanded for cancellation of Rushdie's visa even as the controversial author said he does not need a visa to come here.

Official sources have maintained 65-year-old Rushdie holds a PIO card which entitles him to visit the country without a visa.