Imran Khan Moves Bombay High Court Against ‘Leave India’ Notice

Actor Imran Khan has moved the Bombay High Court against an FRRO order asking him to leave India. The notice was issued after he joined a Mumbai protest on October 10.

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued the order on October 14. Khan has been told to leave India by October 28.

Why Imran Khan challenged the FRRO order

Khan says the notice does not explain which law he broke. His lawyers also said he was not given a chance to explain his actions.

The notice refers to the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Khan’s petition says he was given 14 days to leave India without an inquiry or prior warning.

He has asked the court to cancel the notice and stop its enforcement. He also wants the records used by the FRRO to make its decision.

His lawyers, Zulfiquar Memon, Parvez Memon and Chirag Naik, have also sought protection from deportation.

FRRO also issues notice over OCI status

The FRRO has issued another notice questioning Khan’s Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration.

The notice was issued under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act. Khan has been asked to explain why his OCI registration should not be cancelled.

Khan is an American citizen and has held an OCI card since 2006. An OCI card does not give Indian citizenship.

OCI holders also cannot vote in Indian elections or contest elections.

Khan’s lawyers say he has lived in India for more than four decades. They argue that authorities must follow proper legal process before asking him to leave.

What happened at the Mumbai protest?

Khan joined a protest near Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10. The protest supported the Cockroach Janta Party’s demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.

Police detained several people at the protest. They included Khan, his partner Lekha Washington and his cousin Zayn Marie Khan.

Khan said he attended the protest as a Mumbai resident. He also said he was not representing any political party.

His petition says he did not cross police barricades or enter a restricted area. It says police detained him while he was returning to his car.

Kirit Somaiya seeks action against Imran Khan

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint after the protest. He alleged that Khan had broken immigration rules by joining a political demonstration.

Somaiya also demanded Khan’s deportation. He asked Mumbai Police to check the actor’s citizenship status.

Khan’s lawyers have rejected the claim that his protest participation broke immigration rules.

The petition also says no chargesheet has been filed against Khan over the protest.

When will the Bombay High Court hear the case?

Khan’s lawyers are expected to seek an urgent hearing on Monday, October 19.

The hearing is expected before Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna.

Khan wants the court to stop enforcement of the October 14 order. His deadline to leave India is October 28.

FAQ

Why was Imran Khan asked to leave India?

The FRRO issued the order after Khan attended a Mumbai protest on October 10. The notice refers to the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Does Imran Khan have an OCI card?

Yes. Khan has held an OCI card since 2006, according to his petition.

When must Imran Khan leave India?

The FRRO notice sets October 28 as the deadline for Khan to leave India.

Sources: Zee News