Imran Khan Challenges Leave India Notice in Bombay High Court
Actor Imran Khan files a petition against a Leave India Notice issued by the FRRO, claiming it is unconstitutional.
Mumbai, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : Actor Imran Khan has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against a “Leave India Notice” (LIN) issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The notice demands that he leave India by October 28. Khan’s petition describes the notice as “unconstitutional.”
The LIN was issued on October 14, citing an alleged violation of the Immigration and Foreign Act (IFA), 2025. Khan is accused of participating in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar near August Kranti Maidan on October 10.
The 44-year-old actor is seeking to have the LIN revoked and is requesting an immediate stay on its enforcement until his petition is resolved. The petition also asks for interim relief to prevent any punitive actions against him by authorities.
Khan claims the LIN was issued under “arbitrary and gross misuse of power.” His legal representatives, Zulfiqar Memon, Parvez Memon, and Chirag Naik, are expected to request an urgent hearing before a bench led by Chief Justice Mahesh Chand Tripathi.
The controversy began after Mumbai police detained Khan during the protest, following a complaint from BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. The complaint alleged that Khan, an American citizen and OCI cardholder, violated the law. The FRRO issued the LIN after receiving the FIR from the police.
Khan’s petition argues that the LIN was issued without justification and fails to specify any legal provisions that were violated. It points out that the notice refers to him solely as an American citizen, neglecting to mention his OCI status, which grants him the right to reside in India for life. This omission, the petition contends, indicates a lack of proper investigation.
Moreover, the petition asserts that the LIN is a “final order” issued without prior inquiry, show-cause notice, or an opportunity to respond. The 14-day notice to leave the country does not allow for a hearing.
Khan further argues that restrictions on gatherings were imposed by local police, not under any order related to the IFA, and that the protest site was not designated as a protected or prohibited area by the central government. Thus, he did not violate any conditions of his OCI status.
The petition claims that Khan did not attempt to enter a barricaded area and was returning to his car when police arrested him after being surrounded by media personnel seeking his comments.
