Law & Justice

Actor Imran Khan Challenges FRRO ‘Leave India’ Notice in Bombay High Court

By Narsi Benwal

Actor Imran Khan, a U.S. citizen and OCI card holder, has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court contesting a ‘Leave India’ notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO). The notice, which orders Khan to leave India by October 28, 2026, was issued without providing reasons, supporting evidence, or a statutory basis. Khan’s lawyers—Zulfikar Memon, Parvez Memon and Chirag Naik—argue that the notice was issued hastily on complaints from political figures alleging Khan’s participation in protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR process. They contend that there is no evidence that Khan took part in any protest or mobilised crowds. The petition states that Khan was detained by Mumbai Police on October 10, 2026 near August Kranti Maidan at Nana Chowk, but that no gathering was taking place when he arrived, he did not enter any restricted area, and he complied with police directions. The petition further claims that Khan was taken to Yellow Gate Police Station, released, and later faced intimidation when attempting to hire a cab. Khan asserts that he has lived in India since the age of two, has no criminal record, and has strong familial, marital, educational and professional ties to the country. He argues that the notice violates the Immigration and Foreigners Act and the Citizenship Act, and that it is arbitrary and disproportionate. Khan seeks urgent interim relief to halt the notice’s operation and final relief to have it quashed. The petition notes that an FIR was lodged against Khan on a complaint by political leaders, and that the FRRO issued the notice within five days without proper consideration. The case is pending before the Bombay High Court.