'I Will Never Go To Any Protest In Life' Actor Imran Khan Tenders Unconditional Apology To Bombay HC In Leave India Notice Case

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Imran Khan had received a notice to leave India, against which he had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court. During the hearing, the court told Imran Khan that as a foreign citizen, he does not have the right to participate in protests. In such a situation, the actor promised not to participate in any protest demonstration in the future.

What Happened In Court Today Nov 2:

Division Bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna hearing Imran Khan Pal v. Union of India & Ors.

 Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond for Khan offered undertaking: will not participate in any future protest or directly/indirectly influence others to do so. Went to protest out of curiosity after learning various organisations organised demonstrations Oct 10.

Bench orally: “You are an OCI holder. You are here showing your OCI, showing unemployment. You cannot behave like an Indian citizen. You are not even remotely affected by SIR, therefore you have no right to protest or participate. You will have to apologise because all this is instigation.”

Further: “Suppose you have participated inadvertently etc then you need to apologise. Without such unconditional apology we will not accept your undertaking. You cannot instigate citizens. Being celebrity you have so many followers. Any statement from you is decisive.”

 Added: India’s magnanimity evident from fact Khan, despite being US citizen, was first served notice asking him to leave rather than deported immediately.

 Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh for Centre opposed, argued Khan has no legally enforceable right to reside as OCI, cited social media posts and interview as evidence of direct involvement, said no police permission for protest.

Background:

 Oct 10: Among 400 detained near August Kranti Maidan, proposed protest venue in support of CJP’s protest. Mumbai Police briefly detained.

 Oct 14: FRRO Mumbai issued Leave India Notice under Sections 7(2)(C) and 29 Immigration and Foreigners Act — directed to leave by Oct 28 failing which deportation. Also separate show-cause why OCI registration not cancelled under Section 7D(e) Citizenship Act 1955 (national security, sovereignty, public interest), 15 days to respond.

 Oct 17: Khan moved HC through Advocate Zulfiquar Memon calling order arbitrary, unlawful, without opportunity to respond, disproportionate.

 Oct 27: HC kept notice in abeyance till Nov 2 after Centre assured no coercive action.

Nov 2: Protection extended till Dec 7. Court recorded: “The categorical undertaking is submitted. Unconditional apology is also tendered. ASG submits that he will file response. As far as OCI holders are concerned they are not at par with Indian citizens. The right to participate in protests do not apply to them. Unconditional apology is taken on record.”  “Yes, yes, you are not going anywhere.”

 Both deportation notice and OCI status question open for Dec 7 hearing. FRRO to decide after considering response.