Bombay HC Extends Stay on Actor Imran Khan's 'Leave India' Notice
The Bombay High Court on Monday put on hold a 'Leave India' notice issued to actor Imran Khan following his detention at August Kranti Maidan, directing him to submit an unconditional apology and an undertaking not to take part in future protests in India.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna extended the stay on the deportation order until Khan is given an opportunity to file his response. The judges instructed the actor to provide an undertaking stating that he will not participate in any political demonstrations across the country going forward.
During the hearing, the court underlined that Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders cannot be permitted to engage in political agitations on Indian soil. The bench verbally told the actor that he could travel to the United States to cast his vote and join protests there, but stated that protesting in India would not be tolerated. Khan holds US citizenship alongside an OCI card.
Khan's defense counsel, Zulfiqar Memon, informed the court that the actor had no intention of participating in the agitation. Memon stated that Khan has never been affiliated or associated with any political party, agency, or group responsible for organizing the demonstrations.
The 'Leave India' notice was issued after Khan was detained on October 10 during a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai. The protest was organized in solidarity with an agitation in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Following the incident, a formal complaint was lodged at the Gamdevi police station, alleging that Khan had breached provisions of the Foreigners Act by taking part in a political demonstration while holding foreign citizenship. The Gamdevi police subsequently forwarded the complaint to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which then issued the notice ordering him to leave the country.
The High Court had previously heard Khan's plea on October 27, when it kept the FRRO's 'Leave India' directive in abeyance until November 2 before extending the relief on Monday.
