High Court Tells Imran Khan to Offer Unconditional Apology, Says Undertaking Is Not Enough

Bombay High Court Directs Imran Khan to Apologise Unconditionally Over Participation in Mumbai Protest

The Bombay High Court on Monday directed actor Imran Khan to tender an unconditional apology for participating in the Cockroah Janata Party (CJP) protest in Mumbai last month. The actor is challenging a Leave India Notice issued by the authorities following his involvement in the demonstration.

While extending interim protection against the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) notice, the court cautioned Khan about the restrictions applicable to Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and made it clear that an affidavit alone would not be sufficient.

Khan told the court that he had no connection with the organisers of the protest and expressed his willingness to submit an affidavit. He also requested permission to continue living in India.

However, the court insisted on an unconditional apology instead of a simple undertaking.

“If an Indian citizen had committed a similar act abroad, they would have been deported to India on the very next flight,” the court observed.

Questioning his participation in the demonstration, the bench asked why he had chosen to join a protest after residing in India for several years without taking part in similar activities.

The court also emphasised that OCI status does not provide the same rights and privileges enjoyed by Indian citizens, particularly concerning participation in political activities and protests.

“Go to the USA and participate in protests there and you can even go and cast your vote, but you protesting anything here won’t be tolerated,” the court remarked.

The actor has been granted interim relief until December 7. During the hearing, the court also referred to the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning the world is one family, while expressing hope that a compassionate resolution could eventually emerge.

“Some point of time you will show magnanimity and say this man must live here,” the court said.

FRRO OPPOSES ACTOR’S PARTICIPATION IN PROTEST
The FRRO, which issued the notice to Khan, informed the court that the actor is a US citizen and cannot participate in protests in India.

Solicitor General, representing the FRRO, argued that OCI cardholders have limited rights and privileges in India and cannot claim the same political freedoms as Indian citizens.

The law officer also highlighted Khan’s public profile and social media following, arguing that he was aware of the protest’s objectives before deciding to participate.

According to the Solicitor General, the actor enjoys considerable popularity on Instagram and his involvement in the demonstration could influence public opinion.

IMRAN KHAN SAYS INDIA IS HIS HOME
In his petition challenging the notice, Khan highlighted his long association with India and said his professional and personal life were firmly established in the country.

He told the court that apart from spending two years in the United States, he had lived in India for most of his life. He also referred to his child, family connections and professional commitments as reasons for wanting to remain in the country.

“India is my home. I have my child here and my professional and personal life is based here. My work, family and roots are all in India,” he submitted.

HOW THE ACTOR LANDED IN TROUBLE
Khan was detained in Mumbai after participating in a CJP demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The actor holds US citizenship and an OCI card. Following his participation in the protest, the authorities issued him a notice directing him to leave India by October 28.

Challenging the order, Khan approached the Bombay High Court, which has now extended his interim protection until December 7 while seeking an unconditional apology over his participation in the demonstration.