Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday extended interim protection to actor Imran Khan, keeping the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) notice directing him to leave India on hold until the next hearing on December 7.
The court also directed the actor to submit an unconditional apology over the alleged violation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) rules, observing that a mere undertaking would not be sufficient. It questioned his participation in a protest despite holding an OCI card, which carries certain restrictions on the rights and activities of its holders.
Appearing before the court, Khan denied having any association with the protest organisers. He told the court that he had spent most of his life in India, apart from a two-year stay in the United States, and was willing to provide any undertaking required.
His lawyer argued that the FIR did not contain any specific allegations against the actor and that the offences invoked against him were bailable.
The court, invoking the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), took note of Khan’s long association with India and observed that he should be given an opportunity if he tendered an apology and furnished an undertaking.
The FRRO issued the notice directing Khan to leave India days after he participated in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10. The demonstration called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Khan was detained by the police on the same day in connection with the protest.
Action against the actor has been initiated under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. He has also received a copy of the notice.
Earlier, BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya had approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities, seeking a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Khan.
In a letter dated October 13 to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Somaiya urged the ministry to take steps to prevent the actor from travelling abroad until an inquiry into his complaint and the Mumbai Police investigation were completed.
He also requested the Bureau of Immigration to issue an LOC against Khan and alert the police if he attempted to leave the country.
The developments stem from the October 10 protest at August Kranti Maidan, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
-IANS