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Imran Khan Faces Bombay High Court Rebuke Over Protest, Gets Relief After Apology

On November 2, 2026, the Bombay High Court reprimanded actor Imran Khan for participating in a public protest in Mumbai despite holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status, granting him interim relief after he tendered an unconditional apology.

Nilakshi Barman | | 2 min read

Imran Khan Faces Bombay High Court Rebuke Over Protest, Gets Relief After Apology
(Express Photo by Akash Patil)

In This Story

In Brief

  1. The Bombay High Court criticized actor Imran Khan for joining local demonstrations, emphasizing that OCI cardholders do not possess the same political rights or parity as Indian citizens.
  2. The bench remarked that if an Indian citizen were to participate in protests in a foreign nation like the United States, they would likely be deported on the next immediate flight.
  3. Following the court's strict observations, Khan tendered an unconditional apology and filed an undertaking promising no future participation in domestic protests.
  4. The court directed authorities to extend the 'Leave India' notice period and posted the matter for further hearing on December 7, 2026.

Bombay High Court Pulls Up Actor Imran Khan Over OCI Status and Protest Involvement

The Bombay High Court delivered sharp observations on Monday, November 2, 2026, pulling up Bollywood actor Imran Khan for joining a public demonstration in Mumbai. The division bench emphasized the legal boundaries governing foreign nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.

Distinction Between Citizens and OCI Cardholders

During the proceedings, the bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna addressed the limits of OCI status, noting that cardholders cannot act or protest like Indian citizens.

Drawing an international parallel, the court noted: "Imagine if an Indian citizen does such protests in any other country... for example, in your country... the US. That Indian citizen would've been sent back to the country on the next immediate flight." The bench also questioned why Khan, who is a US citizen and has lived and worked in India since childhood, had not applied for full Indian citizenship.

Apology Accepted, Relief Extended

The hearing followed a 'Leave India' notice issued to the actor by the Foreigners Registration Regional Office (FRRO). Defending the government's position, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh argued that the state retains absolute discretion regarding foreign nationals.

Acknowledging an affidavit and an unconditional apology submitted through his legal counsel, wherein Khan stated he would not engage in future protests, the court exercised judicial magnanimity. The bench granted interim protection, extended the notice period, and scheduled the next hearing for December 7, 2026.

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