Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday questioned actor Imran Khan, a US citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, over his participation in a protest concerning Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna observed that the fundamental right to protest was available to Indian citizens and raised concerns over a foreign national participating in such demonstrations.
The court also remarked on the approach taken by Indian authorities, noting that an OCI cardholder was issued a notice asking him to leave the country rather than being deported immediately.
Actor Offers Unconditional Apology
During the hearing, Khan's counsel, senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, submitted an unconditional apology on behalf of the actor.
His counsel also gave an undertaking that Khan would not participate in any protest in the future.
Challenge to FRRO Notice
The actor has approached the High Court challenging a notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which directed him to leave India by October 28.
The notice was reportedly issued following his participation in a protest held in Mumbai last month against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR exercise.
The High Court had earlier kept the notice in abeyance. On Monday, it extended the interim protection and scheduled the next hearing for December 7.
The actor's challenge to the FRRO notice will be considered further on that date.
