Mumbai Bollywood actor Imran Khan has received interim relief from the Bombay High Court in the case related to his stay in India and his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The court has decided to continue the stay on ‘Leave India’ notices issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) till the next hearing.
Now the next hearing of this case will be on December 7. However, the court has also directed the actor to tender an unconditional apology for the alleged violation of OCI rules. The court said that merely giving an assurance not to do so in future would not be enough.
During the hearing, the court raised questions on Imran Khan’s OCI card and his presence in the protest. The court asked why Imran Khan had joined the protest? Had he gone there for the release or promotion of any film?
The judge said that OCI card holders do not get all the rights like Indian citizens and they are required to follow the rules. The court also questioned that Imran Khan has been living in India for the last 42 years, has studied, worked and earned here, yet why did he not take Indian citizenship?
The lawyer appearing for Imran Khan said that the actor has no connection with the organization organizing the protest. He studied in India and has been living here for a long time. He stayed in America only for about two years. The actor also assured the court that he is ready to comply with the necessary conditions and give any kind of assurance.
The lawyer said in the argument that no specific allegation has been made against Imran Khan in the FIR and the sections under which the case has been registered are bailable. At the same time, FRRO said that Imran Khan is an American citizen and has an OCI card. The department has the right to take action in case of violation of OCI rules.
During the hearing, the court also mentioned ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. The court said that Imran Khan has been living in India for a long time and he should be given a chance to express his views. However, for this they will have to apologize unconditionally and assure that they will follow the rules in future.
Actually, the matter is of October 10. On this day, there was a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar near August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai. This demonstration was done regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. Imran Khan also reached there with his partner Lekha Washington. The police detained him for some time.
After this, action started on the complaint of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. FRRO issued a notice to Imran on 14 October and directed him to leave India by 28 October. Apart from this, on October 17, a show cause notice was also issued regarding cancellation of registration of his OCI card. This notice was earlier stayed till November 2. Now the court has decided to continue this ban till the next hearing on December 7.