Khan apologizes, Bombay HC extends notice suspension

Imran Khan, 43, a US citizen and OCI cardholder, gave the Bombay High Court an unconditional apology and an undertaking not to join future protests. Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait M. Sethna extended the stay on his FRRO Leave India Notice (exit by 28 October) until the 7 December hearing. He was among nearly 400 detained after a 10 October 2026 protest at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court asked "What for were you there?", said citizen and OCI rights differ completely, and that an Indian doing the same abroad would be deported "on the very next flight." It said "Go to the USA" to protest and vote but protesting in India "won't be tolerated," and asked why he protested only now and why he had not taken Indian citizenship. Khan said India is his home, with his child, work, family and roots there. Lawyer Zulfiqar Memon said if Khan unintentionally spoke about the protest on social media or to media, he regrets it. The government called his denial of participation misleading, citing social media posts. The Solicitor General said OCI rights are limited and distinct from citizens'; Maharashtra said foreign nationals violating visa conditions must face consequences. Next hearing is 7 December.