Bombay High Court slams Imran Khan, says actor has no right to criticise India as OCI cardholder
text_fields
Actor Imran Khan has tendered an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court for participating in protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Mumbai, after the court questioned his right to take part in political demonstrations as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.
During the hearing, the court said Khan was not "remotely affected by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)" and could not be "put at par with Indian citizens". It also remarked that he "does not have a right to criticise the country".
The court had asked the actor to submit an unconditional apology or express regret on oath, or give an undertaking that he would not participate in such protests again. Khan subsequently submitted the undertaking.
The High Court has kept the Leave India Notice (LIN) issued against him on hold until December 7. The notice, issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), had directed him to leave India by October 28.
Khan, a US citizen and OCI cardholder, received the notice on October 14, following his detention at a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai on October 10. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had also filed a complaint alleging violations of OCI rules and visa conditions.
The Mumbai Police forwarded an FIR to the FRRO, which issued the notice over a violation of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The FRRO later issued a show-cause notice indicating that Khan's OCI registration could be cancelled.
The actor approached the High Court, challenging the notices as "unconstitutional, manifestly arbitrary and disproportionate" and seeking protection against coercive action, including deportation.
The court also questioned the FRRO's procedure, orally observing that "at least an opportunity" should have been given to a person who had lived in India for over four decades without any adverse antecedents before issuing a Leave India Notice.