Mumbai: Actor Imran Khan tendered an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court on Monday for joining the protest against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and the court kept the Leave India notice issued to him suspended till December 7.
Khan, 42, is a US citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India card. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office issued the notice, directing him to leave India by October 28, after he took part in the October 10 protest in Mumbai.
A division bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna recorded that OCI cardholders cannot be treated on par with Indian citizens. "You have no business there. You need to understand that you as an OCI cardholder aren't at par with Indian citizens," the bench observed during the hearing.
"Considering the fact that he has been living in our country for all these years and has worked here, got recognition from here, then you must show a big heart," the court said.
In his apology, Khan stated that he had no association with the organisers of the protest and was not aware of the consequences of participating. He also undertook not to take part in any political protest in India in future.
Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, appearing for the Centre, opposed any protection and said Khan had "instigated people" on social media. That allegation has not been tested. Khan's counsel Venkatesh Dhond said his client went to the site "out of curiosity" and had no links to the organisers.
The court clarified that the apology and undertaking should not be read as clearance for similar conduct in future. Action was taken under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
Khan was detained by police on October 10. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had earlier asked the Union Home Ministry to issue a Look Out Circular against him.
The petition will be heard next on December 7. Until then, the FRRO must decide the matter after giving Khan an opportunity to respond.