Bombay High Court on Monday strongly reprimanded actor Imran Khan. He had challenged the notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to leave India. This notice was issued regarding his participation in the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) demonstration held in Mumbai last month.
Bombay High Court has extended the interim stay on the FRRO notice and given relief to Imran till December 7. He has been warned about violation of OCI card rules and directed to file an unconditional apology for participating in the Mumbai protest.
Also read: Why notice to Imran Khan to leave India? Understand the rules and regulations of OCI card
Affidavit is not enough, court apologized
Imran Khan told the court that he had no connection with the organizers of the protest. He offered to file an affidavit in this regard and appealed to the court to allow him to stay in India. The court said that mere affidavit will not suffice, they will have to give unconditional apology.
The court said that if an Indian citizen had done this abroad, he would have been sent to India on the very next flight. The court also asked that after living in India for so many years, Imran had never taken part in any protest before, so why did he do so now.
Why protest while in India?
The Bombay High Court said that as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, he cannot participate in the protests while living in India. The court said that go to America and protest there and also cast your vote, but this will not be tolerated here. During the hearing, the court also mentioned the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. The court said that will you ever show leniency and say that this man should stay here?
What has FRRO said?
According to a report by NDTV, the Solicitor General appearing on behalf of FRRO told the court that Imran is an American citizen and cannot participate in the protest in India. He said that the rights and facilities of an OCI card holder are limited and different from those of an Indian citizen. The Solicitor General also said that Imran Khan has a great influence on the people and has good popularity on Instagram. According to him, Imran was aware of the purpose of the protest yet he participated in it.
Also read: Imran Khan will not leave India, gets relief from Bombay High Court till November 2
What arguments has Imran Khan given?
In his petition, Imran Khan said that he has been living in India for many years and his professional and family life is here. He told the court that except for two years spent in America, he had always lived in India. In his words, India is his home, his child is here and his work, family and roots are all in India. Imran Khan is an American citizen. He had participated in the movements called by Cockroach Janata Party in Mumbai, after which he has been embroiled in a legal dispute.