High Court Slams Imran Khan: Can Indians Protest in US?

Imran Khan OCI Case Before High Court

Actor Imran Khan, nephew of Aamir Khan, got slammed by the Bombay High Court for participating in protests against the Election Commission of India. The actor, who holds American citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, was recently issued a notice by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) asking him to leave India by November 14.

Imran challenged the notice before the Bombay High Court. However, the court questioned his participation in the protest and reminded him that an OCI card does not grant the political rights enjoyed by Indian citizens.

The bench questioned whether an Indian citizen would be allowed to participate in protests against the US government while staying in America. It observed that such a person could face immediate action and be sent back to India.

The court also questioned why Imran had not applied for Indian citizenship despite spending most of his life in the country and establishing himself as a Bollywood actor. It asked him to give a clear assurance that he would not participate in similar political activities in the future.

Responding to the court, Imran Khan tendered an unconditional apology for participating in the protest. He said that although he was born in the US and acquired American citizenship by birth, he had spent most of his life in India. He also clarified that he had no association with the organizations or individuals involved in the protest.

Imran expressed his willingness to give an undertaking that he would not participate in similar activities in the future.

The court warned him not to treat the apology as permission to take part in such activities again. It also observed that celebrities have a greater influence on the public because their words and actions attract attention.

The bench reiterated that OCI cardholders cannot exercise political rights reserved for Indian citizens. It has extended the deadline under the leave-India notice until the next hearing on December 7.