"Give Unconditional Apology, Undertaking Not Enough": High Court To Imran Khan

Key Points:

• The Bombay High Court extended interim relief to actor Imran Khan, who is contesting a Leave India Notice issued due to his participation in a Cockroah Janata Party protest in Mumbai, but warned him against violating Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card rules.
• The court directed Imran Khan to file an unconditional apology for participating in the protest, rejecting his offer to submit only an affidavit, and emphasized that OCI holders cannot engage in protests while residing in India.
• The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and Solicitor General argued that as a US citizen and OCI cardholder, Imran Khan’s rights in India are limited, and his involvement in the protest was inappropriate given his influence and popularity.
• Imran Khan stated that India is his home, with his family, child, and professional life based there, and appealed to the court to allow him to continue living in the country.
• The court granted Imran Khan relief until December 7, while cautioning him about the legal boundaries for OCI cardholders and invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, suggesting eventual magnanimity towards his stay.