Mumbai: Actor Imran Khan has tendered an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court following its criticism of his participation in a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Mumbai.

The apology came after the court observed that an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder does not have the same rights as an Indian citizen to criticise the country and that the SIR exercise did not directly affect the actor.

While hearing Khan’s petition challenging a notice directing him to leave India, the High Court said he could not be treated on par with Indian citizens. The court subsequently directed him to submit an unconditional apology or express regret for participating in the protest and file an affidavit undertaking not to participate in similar demonstrations in the future.

Following the court’s strict directions, Khan submitted an affidavit expressing his unconditional apology.

The court has now extended its interim protection against the implementation of the notice directing him to leave India until December 7.

High Court Questions FRRO’s Actions

The Bombay High Court was hearing Khan’s petition challenging a notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), directing him to leave India by October 28.

The notice, which had initially been stayed until November 2, has now been stayed until December 7.

While questioning the FRRO’s action, the court orally observed that a person who had lived in India for more than four decades without any criminal antecedents should have been given at least an opportunity to explain himself before being issued a ‘Leave India Notice’.

The court also questioned the procedure followed by the FRRO in issuing the notice.

Background to the Case

Imran Khan is a US citizen and holds an OCI card.

On October 10, the actor participated in a protest in Mumbai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He was subsequently detained in connection with the demonstration.

The protest led to a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who alleged that Khan had violated visa and OCI regulations.

Based on the complaint, the FRRO issued a notice to the actor on October 14.

Following a report submitted by the Mumbai Police, the FRRO issued a ‘Leave India Notice’, alleging that Khan had violated the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

On October 17, the FRRO also issued a show-cause notice asking Khan to explain why his OCI card should not be cancelled.

Actor Challenges Central Government Action

Khan subsequently approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the central authorities’ actions as arbitrary and unconstitutional.

In his petition, the actor sought the cancellation of the Leave India Notice and protection against deportation and other coercive measures.

The latest development comes after the court directed Khan to apologise for his participation in the protest and undertake not to take part in similar demonstrations in the future.

With the submission of his affidavit, the court has extended its interim protection until December 7, when the matter is expected to be taken up again.