Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday criticised actor Imran Khan, a US citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, for participating in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue in Mumbai last month. Following the court’s observations, the actor tendered an unconditional apology and gave an undertaking that he would not participate in any protest in the future.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna observed that the fundamental right to protest was available only to Indian citizens. The court also remarked on India’s approach towards Khan, saying that despite his US citizenship, he was first served a notice asking him to leave the country rather than being deported immediately.
Why Did The Bombay High Court Question Imran Khan?
The court was hearing Khan’s plea challenging a notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The notice had directed him to leave India by October 28 after his participation in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR exercise.
During Monday’s hearing, Khan’s counsel, Venkatesh Dhond, immediately submitted an undertaking on the actor’s behalf, assuring the court that he would not take part in any protest in the future. He also tendered an unconditional apology.
High Court Extends Protection Against FRRO Notice
The bench posted the matter for further hearing on December 7. It also extended its earlier order keeping the FRRO notice in abeyance, providing Khan interim protection from the direction to leave the country until the next hearing.
The case concerns the actor’s participation in a protest linked to the controversy surrounding the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision exercise. The court is yet to deliver a final decision on his challenge to the FRRO notice.
