02 November,2026 06:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Imran Khan. Pic via X
Actor Imran Khan has tendered an unconditional apology before the Bombay High Court on Monday for participating in a protest against the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in October. He also assured the court that he would not participate in similar demonstrations in the future.
According to India Today, a bench of the High Court reprimanded Khan, reminding him that he was an American citizen and held an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. Thus, he had no right to participate in political demonstrations as an Indian citizen.
Imran Khan submitted, "I shall not participate in any protest in the future, nor shall I directly or indirectly influence or instigate others to participate in any such protest," adding that he has the "utmost love and respect for this great nation and its Constitution."
The bench also questioned the actor's right to participate in such protests. It drew parallels with how an Indian national would be treated if they participated in a similar protest in the United States. The bench told him, "You are an OCI card holder. You can't behave like an Indian citizen. You have nothing to say about SIR. You had no right to participate. You have to give a categorical undertaking to the court."
The bench further questioned Khan why he had not sought Indian citizenship despite the fact that he grew up in the country and had established himself as a Bollywood actor. "Since your childhood you have been here. Why don't you accept Indian citizenship? You have become a Bollywood star here," it remarked.
For the unversed, the 42-year-old actor was detained on October 10 during the protest in Mumbai, following which he had received a 'Leave India Notice'. After receiving the notice, he had said he had no links with the organisers and that he was unaware of the consequences.
The notice was issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which directed him to leave the country. A bench of Chief Justice MC Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna had put a temporary stay on the notice last week.
In the latest hearing, the bench took note of Khan's unconditional apology and undertaking, while continuing to keep the Leave India Notice in abeyance. The matter has been posted for further hearing on December 7.
