Bombay HC Asks Actor Imran Khan to Tender Unconditional Apology for Participation in SIR Protests

NewsBharati    03-Nov-2026 13:10:39 PM
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New Delhi, Nov 03: The Bombay High Court has questioned actor Imran Khan's participation in protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, pointing out that he is a US citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and is not an Indian citizen. During the hearing, the Bench raised questions about his involvement in political demonstrations and asked him to explain his continued OCI status despite having lived, studied and worked in India for several years.
 
Bombay HC Asks Actor Imran Khan
 
The court also directed that his undertaking not to participate in or instigate protests must be accompanied by an unconditional apology.
 
During the proceedings, the Bench made strong oral observations regarding Khan's participation in the protests. It questioned why he was involved in an agitation concerning SIR when the electoral revision did not directly affect him.
The court reportedly remarked, "You're an OCI. S.I.R doesn't affect you. If you're so worried, why don't you become an Indian citizen?"
 
It further questioned his involvement in political demonstrations and observed that he could participate in protests in the United States if he wished to do so. The Bench also cautioned him against instigating Indian citizens.
"You cannot instigate citizens. Your bread and butter are from this country," the court observed.
 
The proceedings also brought attention to the legal distinction between Indian citizenship and OCI status. An OCI card provides people of Indian origin with certain privileges, including long-term residence and specified economic and professional rights in India.
 
 
 
However, OCI status does not grant Indian citizenship or voting rights. OCI cardholders also do not enjoy the full political rights available to Indian citizens.
 
The court questioned Khan's involvement in an agitation concerning the Election Commission's electoral roll revision, an exercise falling within India's constitutional and institutional framework.
 
Alongside its observations on his participation in protests, the Bench also examined the procedure followed by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in issuing a Leave India Notice to Khan.
 
The court noted his long association with India and the absence of criminal antecedents, emphasising that he should be given an opportunity to respond before a final decision is taken.
 
It also indicated that the government should consider the matter with magnanimity while ensuring procedural fairness.
The proceedings highlight the distinction between the privileges extended to OCI cardholders and the political rights reserved for Indian citizens, while underlining the importance of following due process in decisions concerning foreign nationals.

Imran Khan OCI FRRO India Bombay High Court S.I.R cardholders