Mumbai (Gurpreet Singh): Actor Imran Khan has clarified his position on his presence at a Mumbai protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, telling the Bombay High Court that he had no intention of participating in the demonstration and was there only as a spectator.
The actor, who holds US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, tendered an unconditional apology before the court on Monday. His counsel, Venkatesh Dhond, also submitted an undertaking assuring the bench that Khan would not participate in any protest in the future.
The clarification came as the Bombay High Court heard Khan’s petition challenging a notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), directing him to leave India by October 28 following his presence at the protest.
What Did Imran Khan Tell The Bombay High Court?
Khan’s explanation focused on the distinction between attending the gathering and actively participating in it. He maintained that he had no intention of joining the protest and was present only as an observer.
The actor also expressed his love and respect for India and its Constitution. He reportedly pointed out that he had spent 40 of his 42 years in India and had always respected the country’s laws.
Through his undertaking, Khan assured the court that he would not participate in future protests or directly or indirectly encourage others to take part in such demonstrations.
His counsel also tendered an unconditional apology on his behalf during the hearing.
Why Did The Bombay High Court Question Imran Khan?
The case stems from Khan’s presence at a protest in Mumbai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Election Commission’s SIR exercise.
A notice issued by the FRRO subsequently directed the actor to leave India by October 28. Khan challenged the notice before the Bombay High Court, seeking relief against the direction.
During Monday’s hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna questioned his participation, observing that the fundamental right to protest was available only to Indian citizens.
The bench also remarked that despite Khan being a US citizen, the authorities had first issued him a notice asking him to leave India rather than deporting him immediately.
Bombay High Court Extends Interim Protection
Following the apology and undertaking, the High Court extended its earlier order keeping the FRRO notice in abeyance. This means the direction asking Khan to leave India remains on hold for now.
The bench scheduled the next hearing for December 7. The court has not yet delivered a final decision on the actor’s challenge to the FRRO notice.
The proceedings will determine the next course of action in the matter, while Khan continues to have interim protection under the court’s existing order.
