Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday came down heavily on actor Imran Khan, who is challenging a Leave India Notice issued by the authorities over his participation in the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest in Mumbai last month.
While extending the interim stay on the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) notice, the court warned the actor against violating the rules governing Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and directed him to file an unconditional apology for participating in protests in Mumbai.
The actor told the court that he had no association with the protest organisers and offered to file an affidavit, while appealing to the court to allow him to stay in India.
Observing that a mere affidavit would not suffice, the court directed Imran Khan to tender an unconditional apology.
“If an Indian citizen had committed a similar act abroad, they would have been deported to India on the very next flight,” the court pointed out.
“You have been residing in India for so many years, yet you never participated in any protest during all this time. Why have you chosen to participate in a protest now, after living here for so long?” the court asked.
While extending interim relief to the actor, the court made it clear that an OCI cardholder cannot participate in protests while residing in India.
“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 said.
The court granted Imran Khan relief until December 7. While reprimanding the actor, it also invoked the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning the world is one.
“Some point of time you will show magnanimity and say this man must live here,” the court said.
The FRRO, which issued the notice to Imran Khan, told the court that he is a US citizen and cannot participate in protests in India.
The Solicitor General, appearing for the FRRO, argued that the rights and privileges of OCI cardholders in India are limited and distinct from those of Indian citizens.
“Imran Khan wields considerable influence over the public and enjoys significant popularity on Instagram. He was aware of the intent and purpose of the protest, yet chose to participate in it,” the Solicitor General pointed out.
In his plea, Imran Khan stated that he had been living in India for many years and had his professional and family life here.
“Except for the two years that I spent in the United States, I have lived in India. 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,” Imran Khan told the court.
Imran Khan landed in trouble after being detained in Mumbai following his participation in the CJP protest seeking Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The actor, who holds US citizenship and an OCI card, later received a notice asking him to leave India by October 28, which he has challenged in the High Court.
