Actor Imran Khan apologises after Bombay HC rebuke over anti-CEC protest

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, Nov 2, 2026: The Bombay High Court on Monday criticised actor Imran Khan, a US citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, for participating in a protest related to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue. The court observed that the fundamental right to protest is available only to Indian citizens, following which the actor tendered an unconditional apology.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna observed that India’s magnanimity was evident in the fact that an OCI cardholder who is a US citizen was first issued a notice asking him to leave the country rather than being deported immediately.

Appearing for Khan, his counsel Venkatesh Dhond immediately submitted an undertaking that the actor would not participate in any protest in the future. He also tendered an unconditional apology on his behalf.

The bench subsequently scheduled Khan’s petition challenging the notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for further hearing on December 7.

The FRRO notice had directed the actor to leave India by October 28 for allegedly participating in a protest held in Mumbai last month against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR issue.

The High Court extended its earlier interim order keeping the FRRO notice in abeyance until the next hearing.