'OCI Cannot Protest': Bombay HC Seeks Unconditional Apology from Actor Imran Khan, Extends Stay on Leave India Notice

The Bombay High Court has asked actor and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder Imran Khan to tender an unconditional apology for participating in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The court also extended its stay on the Leave India Notice issued against him by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Mumbai.

A division bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna also asked Khan to submit an undertaking that he would not participate in similar protests in future.

Court Questions OCI Holder's Participation

During the hearing, the court orally observed that OCI cardholders do not enjoy the same rights as Indian citizens and questioned Khan's participation in a protest concerning an electoral exercise.

The court said Khan was not affected by the SIR process and asked him to clarify why he had attended the demonstration.

Khan's lawyer, Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond, told the court that the actor had no association with the protest organisers. He also submitted that Khan had lived in India for most of his life.

Leave India Notice Put On Hold

Khan had challenged a Leave India Notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Mumbai, directing him to leave the country by October 28.

The court extended the suspension of the notice, allowing Khan an opportunity to respond before the FRRO takes a decision.

The Centre opposed his petition, arguing that OCI cardholders have limited rights and no fundamental right to reside in India.

The court also sought details about an FIR registered against Khan. The matter will next be heard on December 7.