The Bombay High Court has directed actor Imran Khan to submit an unconditional apology for participating in a political protest in Mumbai last month, warning that his actions could violate the conditions governing his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status. The court issued the directive on Monday while hearing Khan’s petition challenging a Leave India Notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Although the court extended its interim stay on the notice until December 7, it emphasized that a written undertaking alone would not be sufficient.
Khan, who holds U.S. citizenship and an OCI card, came under scrutiny after attending a protest organized by the Cockroah Janata Party (CJP), which demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. During the hearing, the court questioned his decision to participate in political demonstrations despite having lived in India for several years. It also warned that his participation in such activities would not be tolerated, directing him to refrain from further protests while residing in the country.
Representing the FRRO, the Solicitor General argued that OCI cardholders do not possess the same rights and privileges as Indian citizens. He maintained that Khan was aware of the protest’s political objectives and had considerable public influence through his social media presence. Khan, meanwhile, denied any association with the protest organizers and offered to submit an affidavit confirming his position. However, the court insisted that he provide an unconditional apology rather than merely an assurance of future compliance.
In his petition, Khan emphasized his longstanding personal and professional ties to India, explaining that he had spent nearly his entire life in the country apart from two years in the United States. He told the court that his family, child, career and home were all based in India. The actor had initially been directed to leave the country by October 28 following his detention in Mumbai, but the court’s extension of interim relief allows him to remain in India while the legal proceedings continue.
