In a significant relief for actor Imran Khan, the Bombay High Court on Monday allowed the US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder to continue staying in India after he agreed to tender an “unconditional apology” for his alleged participation in a political protest.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana kept the ‘Leave India Notice’ issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in abeyance until December 7, when the matter will be heard next.
During the proceedings, the court observed that OCI cardholders are “at the mercy of the country” and cannot claim the exact fundamental rights available to Indian citizens. It directed the actor to submit a formal undertaking assuring that he would refrain from joining future political protests and demonstrations.
The controversy stems from an October 10 demonstration near Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, held against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over electoral roll revisions. Following Khan’s brief detention, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya alleged that participating in political agitations as a foreign national violated immigration laws.
The FRRO subsequently issued a notice on October 14 ordering him to leave India. Khan challenged the action as arbitrary and disproportionate, pointing out his four-decade residence in India.
