Bollywood actor Imran Khan, currently facing a legal dispute over an exit notice, has filed a challenge in the Bombay High Court against an order requiring him to leave India by October 28.
He claims the order was issued without a hearing and lacks valid grounds.
Khan, who holds OCI status and a US passport, is seeking urgent judicial intervention to suspend the October 28 order.
His petition, titled Imran Khan Pal v. Union of India & Ors, was submitted on Saturday, contesting the October 14 notice from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Mumbai that instructed him to exit the country.
The actor alleges that the FRRO issued the order without allowing him a chance to defend himself.
Imran Khan Claims Violation of Constitutional Rights
In his petition, Imran Khan argues that the FRRO failed to provide him an opportunity to contest the order directing his departure from India.
He cites articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which relate to equality and the right to life and liberty, in his challenge against the FRRO notice.
“The notice from the respondent does not specify the legal provisions allegedly violated by the petitioner or the factual basis for its issuance.
It lacks any order or report that supports the October 14, 2026, directive,” the petition states.
Khan describes the FRRO’s order as “disproportionate,” asserting that it acts as a punishment without due legal process.
“I see myself as a scapegoat, and this action aims to suppress perceived dissent, disregarding legal formalities and justification,” he stated.
These arguments represent Khan’s submissions to the court, and the Bombay HC has yet to rule on them.
Reason Behind FRRO’s Directive for Him to Leave India
The FRRO notice requiring Imran Khan to leave India within 14 days from October 28, 2026, follows his involvement in a protest in Mumbai on October 10, 2026.
Against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and his call for action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
In response to his participation, the FRRO invoked the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, to mandate his departure.
Khan has contested this order, claiming the authorities failed to explain which legal provision he allegedly violated.
Moreover, he asserts that he has no criminal record and has lived in India since he was two years old.
He denies any affiliation with any organization involved in the protest against the CEC and states that his OCI cardholder status was overlooked in the order.
FRRO Issues New Show Cause Notice
On Saturday, the FRRO issued a new show-cause notice to Imran Khan, asking him why action should not be taken against him under laws concerning foreign nationals and OCI cardholders.
This follows Khan’s petition in the Bombay HC challenging the October 14 FRRO notice.
Khan has requested the Bombay HC to invalidate the FRRO notice and provide urgent relief to prevent his deportation.
What to Expect Next
The key question is whether the Bombay HC will accept Khan’s petition regarding the October 14 notice.
If accepted, the court may issue a temporary order to pause the FRRO’s directive for Khan to leave by October 28, 2026.
A broader issue is the procedures applicable when a foreign national or OCI cardholder is ordered to exit the country.
The law governing OCI cardholders allows them to remain in India with fewer restrictions and for extended periods.
The next significant development will be the Bombay HC’s ruling on Khan’s plea, along with the government’s response to the FRRO order and any potential actions against Khan.