Full Breakdown
Bollywood Actor Imran Khan Challenges “Leave India” Notice
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Legal Challenge
Actor Imran Khan, a U.S. citizen with an OCI card, has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court to quash a notice ordering him to leave India by October 28, 2026. The petition seeks a stay on the notice and restrains coercive action. A division bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna will hear the case on October 26.
Background & Context
On October 10, 2026, Khan was briefly detained by Mumbai police during a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan that supported a Delhi rally demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The FRRO issued a “Leave India” notice under Sections 7(2)(C) and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, which allow removal of foreign nationals for violations or adverse security reports. Khan’s counsel argues the notice was issued without inquiry, show-cause notice, or opportunity to be heard, and that no provision bars an OCI holder from peaceful protest.
Timeline
- Oct 10, 2026 – Detention during protest.
- Oct 17, 2026 – Petition filed.
- Oct 19, 2026 – Court agrees to hear; hearing set for Oct 26.
- Oct 26, 2026 – Scheduled hearing.
- Oct 28, 2026 – Deadline to leave India.
Data & Statistics
- Citizenship: United States; OCI holder
- Detention: Brief; no FIR cited
Official Statements & Responses
- Senior Counsel Venkatesh Dhond (for Khan) said Khan has lived in India since age two, has no criminal history, and did not attend the protest. He called the FRRO notice unsupported by statutory basis.
- Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh (for the Union) asked for more time to review the petition, noting the FRRO copy arrived on October 19.
- Police and FRRO cited the same sections of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, asserting the notice is justified by alleged participation in an unauthorized protest.
- BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint emphasizing Khan’s U.S. citizenship and urging action under immigration law.
Criticism & Opposition
Legal observers echo the petition’s claim that the Act does not expressly prohibit OCI holders from peaceful assembly, while the FRRO maintains the notice is within its statutory powers.
Verbatim Quote
- “He has no criminal antecedents… He did not even attend any protest,” — Venkatesh Dhond
What’s Next
The Bombay High Court will consider the petition on October 26. If the stay is denied, Khan must depart by October 28, 2026, or face deportation proceedings under Section 29. The decision will clarify OCI holders’ rights to participate in public demonstrations.