Imran Khan Challenges Exit Notice in Bombay High Court

Imran Khan | Mumbai / Hyderabad, Oct 16: Actor Imran Khan has approached the Bombay High Court challenging a notice directing him to leave India by October 28.

The Imran Khan actor is a US citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. Authorities issued the notice after his participation in a political protest in Mumbai.

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The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued the notice under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. It alleges that Khan violated immigration rules by participating in a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protest took place at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10. Demonstrators demanded Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police briefly detained Khan during the protest.

Imran Khan Questions Legal Basis of Exit Notice

Khan’s legal challenge argues that the direction to leave India is excessive. According to reports, his petition contends that no specific provision expressly prohibits OCI cardholders from participating in peaceful protests.

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The notice requires Khan to leave India by October 28. Authorities could initiate further removal proceedings if he fails to comply, unless the notice is withdrawn, modified or stayed by a court.

The action followed a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. He alleged that Khan’s participation in the demonstration violated rules governing foreign nationals. Somaiya had sought action against the actor over his involvement in the protest.

The case has raised questions about the rights of OCI cardholders and the government’s powers over foreign nationals.

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The Immigration and Foreigners Act grants authorities broad powers to regulate foreigners’ presence in India. However, legal commentary notes that the Act does not expressly prohibit foreigners from attending protests.

The High Court challenge will test the legality of the notice and the grounds cited by authorities. No final judicial ruling on the dispute has been reported in the sources reviewed.