Bollywood actor Imran Khan has received significant relief from the Bombay High Court in his ongoing legal battle against the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The actor, who holds US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, had challenged a notice directing him to leave India by October 28. During the latest hearing on November 2, the court questioned his participation in a protest related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Following the court's observations, Khan tendered an unconditional apology and submitted an undertaking assuring that he would not participate in similar protests in the future. The court has also continued its interim protection against the FRRO notice until December 7.
Imran Khan Apologises to Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court heard Imran Khan's petition on November 2 before a bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna.
During the proceedings, the court raised questions about the actor's participation in a demonstration against the Special Intensive Revision exercise and the demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The court observed that Khan, being a US citizen and an OCI cardholder, could not claim the same political rights as Indian citizens. It questioned why he had participated in the protest despite not being directly affected by the electoral revision exercise.
Representing the actor, senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond explained his position before the bench. Khan's legal team maintained that he had no association with the organisers of the demonstration.
The court, however, insisted on an unconditional apology and an assurance that such participation would not be repeated. Khan subsequently tendered his apology and provided an undertaking before the court.
Why Was Imran Khan Issued a Leave India Notice?
The controversy began on October 10, when Imran Khan was present at a protest near Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan. The demonstration was organised against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The protest also witnessed demands for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Khan was reportedly detained by Mumbai Police along with his partner, Lekha Washington, and his cousin, Zayn Marie Khan.
Following the incident, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed a police complaint alleging that the actor had violated OCI regulations and immigration rules by participating in a political demonstration.
The complaint was subsequently forwarded to the FRRO through Mumbai Police. On October 14, the immigration authorities issued a Leave India Notice directing Khan to leave the country by October 28.
The notice created a major controversy because the actor had spent several decades in India and had established his professional and personal life here.
Imran Khan Challenges FRRO Notice in Court
Following the notice, Khan approached the Bombay High Court and challenged the authorities' decision.
In his petition, the actor questioned the legality of the order and sought protection against any action requiring him to leave India. His legal team argued that the notice was arbitrary and that he should have been given an opportunity to explain his position before such a serious decision was taken.
Khan's side also highlighted his long-standing connection with India. His lawyers explained that he was born in the country and had spent most of his life here despite holding US citizenship.
The actor argued that his family and professional commitments were based in India. His petition sought relief against the FRRO's decision and questioned the circumstances in which the notice had been issued.
On October 27, the Bombay High Court had already provided temporary protection by keeping the notice in abeyance until November 2. This prevented immediate action under the order while the court considered the petition.
What Did the Bombay High Court Say About OCI Cardholders?
One of the major aspects of the hearing involved the rights and responsibilities of Overseas Citizen of India cardholders.
The court observed that OCI cardholders do not enjoy the same constitutional and political rights as Indian citizens. Their status allows them certain privileges to live and work in India, but it does not make them Indian citizens.
The bench questioned Khan's decision to participate in a political demonstration and emphasised that foreign nationals and OCI cardholders must follow the applicable rules and conditions.
At the same time, the court also questioned the FRRO's approach. It orally observed that a person who had lived in India for more than four decades, with no reported criminal antecedents, should have been given an opportunity to present his side before such a significant notice was issued.
These observations brought attention to the balance between immigration regulations and the principles of natural justice.
When Is the Next Hearing in Imran Khan's Case?
The Bombay High Court has continued its interim protection against the FRRO's Leave India Notice until December 7. This means the actor will not have to leave India under the challenged notice while the interim order remains in force.
The court has also allowed the actor to submit his response to the FRRO notice. The authorities will have to consider his response before proceeding further in accordance with the applicable process.
However, the latest development does not mean that the entire legal dispute has ended. Imran Khan's challenge to the notice is still pending, and the final outcome will depend on further proceedings.
For now, the actor has secured temporary relief after submitting an unconditional apology and an undertaking before the court. The December 7 hearing will be important in determining the next stage of his legal battle.
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