Renowned Bollywood actor Imran Khan is taking legal action against an exit notice requiring him to leave India by October 28. This notice follows his involvement in an anti CEC protest in Mumbai.
Khan’s legal team plans to appeal to the Bombay High Court against the notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), citing alleged breaches of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
The actor, who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and resides in the U.S., participated in a protest at August Kranti Maidan on October 10, where he was briefly detained by Mumbai Police.
His lawyers are preparing a petition to contest the FRRO notice and request a prompt hearing.
Legal Team to Contest FRRO Notice
According to Imran Khan’s attorneys, Zulfiquar Memon, Parvez Memon, and Chirag Naik of MZM Legal, are set to file a petition challenging the FRRO notice.
This petition aims to overturn the order for Khan to leave the country by October 28 and is expected to be submitted by Friday.
Once filed, it will be presented to a division bench of the Bombay High Court, led by Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi.
As of October 15, the High Court had yet to announce its decision on Khan’s initial plea against the notice.
BJP Leader Files Complaint Against Khan
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya lodged a complaint questioning Imran Khan’s involvement in the protest, given his status as a U.S. national and OCI cardholder, prior to the issuance of the exit notice.
Somaiya’s complaint was initially submitted to the Gamdevi police station in Mumbai and later forwarded to the FRRO, which issued the notice on Thursday.
Khan was part of the protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and was questioned by authorities regarding his participation.
Somaiya alleges that Khan’s involvement in the rally violates regulations governing OCI cardholders.
However, the matter of his alleged violation will be addressed in upcoming court hearings.
OCI Cardholders and Indian Immigration Laws
The OCI scheme, established in 2005, allows individuals of Indian origin with foreign passports to live in India permanently.
However, OCI cardholders do not enjoy certain rights granted to Indian citizens, such as voting or running for office.
Under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, OCI cardholders must adhere to the law and related regulations.
This Act replaced the Foreigners Act, 1946, and outlines the legal framework for the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals.
Section 29 of the Act gives the central government the authority to deport individuals who violate its provisions or receive negative reports from security agencies.
In this case, the central issue is how the law applies to Khan’s situation. The Bombay High Court will evaluate his plea challenging this application.
Protests Surrounding Anti Election Chief Rally
The recent protests against the Chief Election Commissioner began with demands for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of bias against the Congress party regarding alleged misconduct during the electoral roll updates.
The Election Commission has denied these claims, stating that the verification process aims to eliminate ineligible voters.
This controversy raises significant questions about free speech, the right to protest, and the limitations imposed on foreign nationals.
Khan’s case introduces a new dimension to the anti election chief protests, focusing on the legal rights of OCI cardholders.
The outcome of Khan’s plea in the Bombay High Court will determine if authorities overstepped their bounds in issuing the exit notice.
Bombay High Court to Review Actor’s Appeal
In the coming days, developments will unfold with the filing and scheduling of Khan’s plea in the Bombay High Court.
His legal team has requested an expedited hearing, as the exit notice mandates his departure by October 28.
Unless the court rules in Khan’s favor or the authorities retract the exit order, the situation will remain unresolved.
The plea is anticipated to address crucial issues regarding the restrictions on OCI cardholders and their right to protest.
Khan’s appeal will challenge the orders issued under Section 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The outcome of this case will shape the future course of action.