Actor Imran Khan has tendered an unconditional apology before the Bombay High Court over his alleged participation in a protest against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Mumbai. The actor has also given an undertaking that he will not participate in or encourage any protests in the future.
The development came during the hearing of his petition challenging a 'Leave India Notice' issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The notice had directed him to leave India by October 28, following his detention during a protest in Mumbai on October 10. The High Court has continued to keep the notice in abeyance until December 7, while the matter remains under consideration.
Bombay High Court Questions Imran Khan's Participation in SIR Protest
During the hearing, the Bombay High Court questioned why Imran Khan had joined a demonstration concerning the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The bench pointed out that the actor is a US citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, and remarked that he was not directly affected by the SIR exercise.
The court also highlighted the distinction between the rights of Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, stating that the latter cannot be treated at par with Indian citizens. Its remarks brought renewed attention to the restrictions applicable to OCI status holders and their participation in political activities.
Actor Submits Unconditional Apology and Future Undertaking
Following the court's observations, Khan submitted an unconditional apology and gave an undertaking that he would not participate in any protests in the future. He also assured the court that he would not directly or indirectly encourage or instigate others to join such demonstrations.
In his undertaking, the actor explained that he had visited the protest site to observe concerns about restrictions on movement and the suppression of voices. He maintained that he had no intention of making demands and had no association with the organisers. Khan also expressed his love and respect for India and its Constitution.
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Why Was Imran Khan Issued a Leave India Notice?
The controversy dates back to October 10, when Khan was detained by Mumbai Police during a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan. The protest was connected to demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR exercise.
The FRRO subsequently issued a Leave India Notice on October 14, directing the actor to leave the country by October 28. Khan challenged the notice before the Bombay High Court, arguing that the action was arbitrary and that he had not been given an opportunity to respond. He also maintained that he was not associated with the protest organisers.
Bombay HC Keeps Leave India Notice in Abeyance Until December 7
After taking Khan's apology and undertaking on record, the Bombay High Court continued its interim protection against the Leave India Notice. The notice will remain in abeyance until December 7, when the matter is scheduled to come up again.
The court also indicated that the actor should be given an opportunity to respond to the notice before the authorities take a decision. The latest development offers temporary relief to Khan, but the legal proceedings are still ongoing. His apology and assurance regarding future protests have become central to the case, while the next hearing will determine how the matter proceeds.
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