Mumbai (GNP): Bollywood actor Imran Khan has told the Bombay High Court that he will stay away from protests in India, as he fights a notice ordering him to leave the country. The undertaking, given on Monday, November 2, came with an unconditional apology.
The case traces back to the October 10 demonstration in Mumbai against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Khan joined the protest near August Kranti Maidan in South Mumbai. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) later issued him a Leave India Notice, and he challenged it in court. He holds Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status.
In his written statement, Khan said he went to the site only to understand why people’s movement was being restricted and their voices suppressed. He maintained that he never made demands or tried to influence the protest, and pointed to his limited remarks to the media that day.
He then offered a firm assurance to the Union of India. He promised not to take part in any future protest, and not to influence or encourage others to do so, directly or indirectly. He also hoped the undertaking would end the controversy and the action taken against him.
The court, however, questioned his presence at the demonstration. A bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait M Sethna noted that the SIR did not directly affect him. It also observed that an OCI cardholder cannot claim the same constitutional rights as an Indian citizen.
Even so, the bench softened its tone once the undertaking was on record. It suggested that the authorities show a big heart and consider a lenient approach towards the actor.
Also Read: Namangan Invites Pakistani Tourists to Pilgrimage Heritage Routes
To back his plea, Khan stressed his long ties with the country. He said he has lived in India for 42 years, has no criminal record and has strictly followed its laws. He added that he has paid taxes and created jobs, and that he married in India and has a daughter from the marriage. His extended family, he said, is Indian by birth, and his family has contributed to the film industry.
For now, the High Court has kept the FRRO notice in abeyance until December 7. It expects Khan to remain in India as a law-abiding person during this period and to avoid taking part in protests or similar activities.
Khan said, “I have the utmost love and respect for this great nation and its Constitution.”
