Actor Imran Khan apologises to Bombay high court over protest participation
The court has stayed the Leave India Notice against the US citizen until December 7.
Actor Imran Khan tendered an unconditional apology to the Bombay high court on Monday after being reprimanded for participating in a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. According to the Times of India, the actor is a United States citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.
The high court bench, led by Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra, questioned Khan's involvement in the agitation, noting that he is not an Indian citizen and has no concern with the SIR. The court remarked that there is a difference between the rights of citizens and OCI cardholders, suggesting that an Indian citizen protesting in the US might be sent back immediately.
Khan is challenging a Leave India Notice (LIN) issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which directed him to leave India by October 28. The court has kept the notice in abeyance until the next hearing on December 7.
The notice was issued on October 14, following Khan's detention on October 10 during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai. The detention followed a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who alleged that Khan violated OCI rules and visa conditions.
The FRRO also issued a show-cause notice on October 17 regarding the potential cancellation of Khan's OCI cardholder registration. The high court has asked the central government to file a response, and a hearing on the OCI cancellation is also scheduled for December 7.