Actor Imran Khan Tenders Unconditional Apology in Bombay High Court: "Will Not Take Part in Protests", Stay Granted on 'Leave India' Notice Until December 7
Actor Imran Khan has offered an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court for participating in protests against the SIR. He informed the court that he will not take part in any such protests in the future. The court had asked him to submit an unconditional apology and an undertaking. Imran had received a 'Leave India Notice' (LIN) after participating in a CJP protest, against which he had filed a petition.
Key Observations by the High Court
Despite living in India for so many years, you never participated in any protest, so why join now?
You are an OCI cardholder and cannot act like an Indian citizen. You are not even affected by the SIR, so you have no right to protest.
If you have been living here since childhood, why don't you apply for Indian citizenship? If you want to retain OCI status, you must give an undertaking not to attend such protests again.
You must also offer an unconditional apology because you provoked people. This is not expected of a celebrity; your livelihood comes from this country.
Chief Justice Remarks: "This is India's Generosity"
A bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna remarked that one should look at India's generosity that instead of immediately deporting a US citizen and OCI cardholder, he was first given a notice asking him to leave the country. According to the bench, if an Indian had done something similar abroad, they would have been sent back to India on the very next flight. The court reminded the Centre of the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and directed that Imran be given some time to respond to the notice.
What Next?
The next hearing will take place on December 7, and the stay on the 'Leave India' notice will remain in effect until then.
Imran has received interim protection. The court noted that he is not going anywhere and does not have to leave the country for now.
The court has also asked the Central Government to file its response.
FRRO had issued a separate show-cause notice on October 17 to cancel Imran's OCI card, which will also be heard on December 7.
Background
Imran Khan has been living in India for 42 years. He holds US citizenship and has been an OCI cardholder since 2006.
