Imran Khan Secures Interim Relief from Bombay High Court, Leave India Notice Stayed Until December 7

Mumbai, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : Bollywood actor Imran Khan has received interim relief from the Bombay High Court concerning his residency in India and a notice related to his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The court has decided to continue the stay on the ‘Leave India’ notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) until the next hearing.

The next court session is scheduled for December 7. However, the court has directed Khan to submit an unconditional apology for allegedly violating OCI regulations, stating that merely promising to adhere to the rules in the future is insufficient.

During the proceedings, the court raised questions regarding Khan’s OCI card and his participation in a protest. The judges inquired about the reasons behind his attendance at the demonstration. Were his intentions linked to a film release or promotion?

The judges emphasized that OCI cardholders do not enjoy all the rights of Indian citizens and are required to comply with regulations. They also questioned why Khan, who has lived in India for 42 years, studied, worked, and earned a living here, has not sought Indian citizenship.

Khan’s attorney argued that the actor had no connections to the organization that organized the protest. He emphasized that Khan has been a long-term resident of India, having only spent about two years in the United States. The actor assured the court of his willingness to comply with all necessary conditions and provide any required assurances.

The lawyer noted that the FIR filed against Khan contains no specific charges and that the sections under which the case was registered are bailable. Meanwhile, the FRRO maintained that Khan, as an American citizen holding an OCI card, is subject to action for any violations of OCI regulations.

During the hearing, the court referenced the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ highlighting Khan’s long-standing residency in India and the need to allow him a chance to present his case. However, this is contingent upon him offering an unconditional apology and assuring compliance with the rules going forward.

The case stems from an incident on October 10, when a protest took place near the August Kranti Maidan against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration addressed issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, and Khan attended the event with his partner, Lekha Washington. He was briefly detained by police during the protest.

Following this, action was initiated based on a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. The FRRO issued a notice to Khan on October 14, instructing him to leave India by October 28. Additionally, a show-cause notice regarding the cancellation of his OCI card registration was issued on October 17. The stay on this notice was previously set to expire on November 2, but the court has now extended it until the next hearing on December 7.