Bombay High Court orders actor Imran Khan to apologize for protest

Court rules OCI cardholders lack political rights

The court emphasized that OCI cardholders are not equivalent to Indian citizens.

The bench stated that OCI cardholders are not permitted to criticize or engage in such activities while residing in India. The court orally remarked that such behavior from OCI cardholders will not be tolerated.

OCI cardholders are foreign nationals and do not hold Indian citizenship, despite the name of the scheme. The Central government maintains that OCI status does not grant political rights or the equality of opportunity in public employment provided by Article 16 of the Constitution.

Actor submits unconditional apology for protest participation

On 2 November 2026, 42-year-old actor Imran Khan submitted an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court for his participation in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest occurred in early October and was linked to the Cockroach Janata Party.

He also claimed he was unaware of the consequences of his participation.

The court rejected an initial affidavit offered by Khan that sought to deny his association with the organizers. Following this rejection, the court directed Khan to submit an unconditional apology. The court ordered Khan to file an undertaking promising that he will not participate in any future political protests in India.

Centre argues OCI cardholders have no right to reside

Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, representing the Centre, argued that the court should not protect Khan. Singh contended that Khan had "instigated people" on social media regarding the protest, despite claims he attended out of curiosity.

The Solicitor General argued that OCI cardholders have limited rights compared to Indian citizens and that Khan, given his Instagram influence, was aware of the protest's purpose. The FRRO maintained that as a United States citizen, Khan is prohibited from participating in protests in India.

The Centre argued that OCI cardholders do not possess a fundamental right to reside in India and that the government maintains unfettered power regarding their presence. The notice issued to Khan by the Mumbai Police was based on the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Section 7 of this Act grants the Central Government authority to regulate the movement, presence, entry, and departure of foreign nationals. Section 29 of the same Act allows the government to order the removal of a foreign national for violating the Act or based on an adverse security report.

OCI cardholders receive benefits such as a lifelong multiple-entry visa and rights related to property ownership, education, and professional activities. In a separate matter, Godpower Media Private Limited filed a copyright suit after acquiring domestic and territorial intellectual property rights for a film.

The court restrained unknown John Doe entities from unauthorized dissemination and ordered internet service providers and social media intermediaries to block or remove infringing content.

Counsel for Google LLC and other global intermediaries did not object to the order and committed to taking action upon notification of offending links. The court directed Godpower to provide offending URLs to platforms, which are required to disable access. Senior Advocate Ashish Kamath and advocates Ameet Naik and Madhu Gadodia represented Godpower Media, instructed by Anand and Naik.

Defense highlights Khan's lifelong residency in India

Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond told the court that 42-year-old actor Imran Khan has lived in India his entire life, except for two years in the USA where he was born. Dhond stated that Khan has no connection to the organizers or other participants of the protest.

Khan obtained his OCI status in 2006, having previously held Person of Indian Origin status. In his plea, Khan said his family, work, and roots are in India.

Protest details and social media controversy

Imran Khan was detained in Mumbai for participating in a protest seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest was organized by the Cockroach Janta Party and focused on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Held at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, the event also saw participation from actors Lekha Washington and Zayne Marie Khan. Following the protest, the Mumbai Police issued a notice for Khan to leave India.

Khan posted a photo of himself in a police van after his detention with the caption "Apparently I’m going for a drive".

Judges question Khan's citizenship status and protest motives

The court asked Khan to clarify his reasons for attending the protest, noting that as an OCI cardholder, he has no involvement with the Special Intensive Revision exercise. The bench questioned why Khan, who has lived, worked, and married in India, has not sought Indian citizenship.

Judges also questioned why Khan, who has lived in India for many years, chose to participate in a protest only recently. The court requested information on the status of the FIR filed against Khan, to which Government Pleader Anjali Helekar responded that she needed to seek instructions.

The court stated that if an Indian citizen were to protest in the US, they would be sent back on the "next immediate flight". While granting relief, the court invoked the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and stated: "Some point of time you will show magnanimity and say this man must live here".

Next hearing scheduled for December 7

The Bombay High Court has scheduled the next hearing for December 7, 2026. The next hearing for the copyright case is scheduled for December 16.