The Bombay High Court extended its stay on the execution of an order requiring actor Imran Khan to leave the country, after he issued an unconditional apology and pledged not to participate in any future protests or encourage others to do so, following a crisis that began with his detention during a demonstration opposing the review of voter lists.
The court decided to continue the suspension of the departure order until the Regional Foreigners Registration Office in Mumbai gives the actor a chance to respond, after which it will issue its decision in the case, with the next hearing set for December 7.
The decision gives Imran Khan the opportunity to remain within the country where he has lived and worked for most of his life, but it does not permanently cancel the departure order or resolve his legal status, as immigration authorities remain able to reconsider his residency or status as a holder of the "Overseas Citizen of India" card.
Imran Khan is 43 years old, an American citizen born in Wisconsin to a family of Indian descent, who moved to India in his childhood. He holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card which provides him with the right of residence and multiple entry, but does not grant him Indian citizenship or the political rights afforded to citizens.
Apology and Pledge Before the Court
The court asked the actor to provide an unconditional apology, along with a written pledge not to participate in similar protests. The court stated that a holder of the "Overseas Citizen of India" card cannot be treated equally with a citizen and does not enjoy the same constitutional right to participate in political protests, especially since the issue of reviewing voter lists does not affect him, as he does not have the right to vote.
The court emphasized during oral arguments that Imran Khan does not have the right to participate in a protest related to an electoral process, but at the same time urged the government to consider that he has lived in India for decades, worked in its film industry, and has no prior record of violations against him.
The decision gives Imran Khan the opportunity to remain within the country where he has lived and worked for most of his life, but it does not permanently cancel the departure order or resolve his legal status, as immigration authorities remain able to reconsider his residency or status as a holder of the "Overseas Citizen of India" card.
Imran Khan is 43 years old, an American citizen born in Wisconsin to a family of Indian descent, who moved to India in his childhood. He holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card which provides him with the right of residence and multiple entry, but does not grant him Indian citizenship or the political rights afforded to citizens.
Apology and Pledge Before the Court
The court asked the actor to provide an unconditional apology, along with a written pledge not to participate in similar protests. The court stated that a holder of the "Overseas Citizen of India" card cannot be treated equally with a citizen and does not enjoy the same constitutional right to participate in political protests, especially since the issue of reviewing voter lists does not affect him, as he does not have the right to vote.
The court emphasized during oral arguments that Imran Khan does not have the right to participate in a protest related to an electoral process, but at the same time urged the government to consider that he has lived in India for decades, worked in its film industry, and has no prior record of violations against him.