Mumbai: Bollywood actor Imran Khan has tendered an unconditional apology before the Bombay High Court for participating in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. During the hearing of his petition challenging a ‘Leave India Notice’, the court reprimanded the actor and questioned his involvement in the demonstration, stating that he had no right to participate in such protests.
The actor had approached the court after receiving a notice directing him to leave India. The case is connected to his participation in a protest related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Mumbai.
Court Asks Imran Khan to Apologise and Give an Undertaking
The Bombay High Court told Imran Khan that he is not an Indian citizen and has no connection with the SIR exercise. The court observed that, as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, he could not claim the right to participate in such protests.
The court directed him to tender an unconditional apology, express regret under oath or provide an undertaking that he would not repeat such an act in the future. Following the court’s observations, the actor submitted an undertaking.
Leave India Notice Put on Hold Until December 7
After the hearing, the Bombay High Court stayed the operation of the ‘Leave India Notice’ issued against Imran Khan until December 7. The relief came after the actor submitted his undertaking before the court.
Actor Had Been Asked to Leave India by October 28
The hearing was held on Imran Khan’s petition challenging a notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The notice had directed him to leave India by October 28.
In an earlier hearing, the High Court had granted him protection until November 2. That interim relief has now been extended until December 7.
Case Linked to October 10 Protest Near Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan
The case dates back to October 10, when a protest was held near Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters were demanding his resignation over alleged irregularities in elections.
Imran Khan also reached the protest site and was briefly taken into custody by the police.
FRRO Issued Notice Following Complaint and Police Report
Following a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya and a report submitted by the police, the FRRO issued a notice asking the actor to leave India.
Imran Khan challenged the action before the Bombay High Court, arguing that the order had been issued without providing him sufficient information or a proper opportunity to present his side.
Actor Says He Has Lived in India Since the Age of Two
Imran Khan is an American citizen and holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. In his petition, he stated that he has been living in India since he was around two years old.
He also submitted that his family, professional work and personal life have been connected to India for several years. The actor argued that directing him to leave the country solely on the basis of an FIR or allegations was not justified.
