Temporary protection continues after apology
Actor Imran Khan has tendered an unconditional apology before the Bombay High Court while challenging a Foreigners Regional Registration Office notice directing him to leave India. The court continued the notice’s suspension until the next hearing on December 7, Moneycontrol and The Free Press Journal reported on November 2.
Moneycontrol said Khan also gave an undertaking that he would not participate in protests. His petition remains pending. The extension therefore allows him to remain while the challenge is heard; it does not amount to a final decision setting aside the notice or resolving his immigration status.
[1][2]The hearing followed an earlier November 2 deadline
The FRRO notice had directed Khan to leave India by October 28. The High Court had previously kept it in abeyance until November 2. The newly reported hearing produced a further extension, moving the next court date to December 7.
The Free Press Journal identified the bench as Chief Justice MC Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna. It said the judges questioned Khan’s participation in a demonstration while holding an Overseas Citizen of India card, and also asked the Centre to file its reply. The report linked the notice to his detention during an October 10 protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan.
[1][2]Court asks Centre to consider his circumstances
The Free Press Journal reported that the judges urged the government to consider Khan’s long residence in India, his apology and the absence of criminal antecedents noted during the hearing. His lawyer questioned the circumstances in which the government exercised its powers, rather than disputing that such powers existed.
The Centre maintained its position regarding Khan’s foreign citizenship and OCI status, according to the report. Those competing positions remain part of the pending case. The immediate change is the continuation of interim protection through the December 7 hearing, alongside Khan’s apology and undertaking.
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