Mumbai, November 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Bombay High Court on Monday extended interim protection to actor Imran Khan, keeping the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) notice directing him to leave India on hold until the next hearing on December 7.
The court also directed Khan to tender an unconditional apology over the alleged violation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) rules, observing that a mere undertaking would not suffice. It questioned his participation in a protest despite holding an OCI card, which carries certain restrictions on political activities.
Khan told the court that he had no affiliation with any protest group, had lived in India for most of his life apart from two years in the US, and was willing to submit an undertaking. His lawyer argued that the FIR contained no specific allegations against him and that the offences were bailable.
Invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the court noted Khan’s long association with India and said he should be given an opportunity if he apologised and furnished an undertaking.
The FRRO issued the ‘Leave India’ notice days after Khan participated in an October 10 protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He was detained by police in connection with the protest. Action was initiated against him under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act.
Earlier, BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya had approached the Union Home Ministry and immigration authorities seeking a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Khan. In an October 13 letter to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Somaiya also sought directions to prevent the actor from travelling abroad until an inquiry into his complaint and the Mumbai police investigation were completed.
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