Is Oci sticker in passport essential?

[sumoraja]

I applied for an OCI when in Sydney. Soon after I had to visit India so visited on a tourist visa. I got involved in the family business and did not return to Australia. However when my tourist visa was still current and valid, I received intimation thatmy OCI application was successful and my passport had to be presented in Sydney for a OCI sticker to be stamped.
I could not go to Australia and the Indian consulate Sydney refused to receive/send my Australian passport by courier. Fair enough.
Now my question is Am I illegally staying in India? Even though I dont have an OCI sticker in my passport, my application was successful and on the systems I should be a OCI lawfully resident in India. Any comments educated opinions?

[FinallyDone]

My guess will be that you entered on a tourist visa and hence are in that status, and working illegally in India. But hey, its India!

How long will the embassy in Sydney hold the sticker for you?