Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 28: The Bombay High Court has granted interim relief to actor Imran Khan until November 2 in connection with a ‘Leave India’ notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Mumbai, directing him to leave the country by October 28, 2026. The matter will be heard again on November 2 at 3 pm.

Khan had approached the High Court challenging the notice and seeking protection against deportation and other possible action by the authorities.

In his petition, the actor has sought directions restraining the authorities from deporting him, issuing a Look Out Circular (LOC), blacklisting him or taking any action against his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status.

Khan has questioned the legal basis of the notice, arguing that it does not specify the particular legal provision he allegedly violated. He has also raised concerns over the absence of a prior inquiry, a show-cause notice or an opportunity to explain his position before the notice was issued.

According to his plea, the notice identifies him as a US national but does not adequately consider his OCI status, which provides eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin with certain residency privileges in India.

The actor has denied violating the conditions attached to his OCI status. He has argued that restrictions on gatherings at the time were imposed under a local police order and not under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. He has further contended that the protest venue was not a protected or prohibited place notified by the Central Government under the Act.

The case relates to a protest held on October 10 in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Khan participated in the demonstration and was subsequently detained by the police before being released later that evening.

In his petition, Khan claimed that he did not attempt to cross police barricades during the protest. He stated that he was returning to his car after being asked to leave when he was apprehended.

The actor has argued that participation in a rally does not, by itself, establish a violation of the conditions applicable to foreign nationals or OCI cardholders. He has also questioned the use of a First Information Report (FIR) that remains under investigation as grounds for directing him to leave the country.

The FRRO issued the notice following a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who alleged that Khan had violated the law by participating in the October 10 demonstration near August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai. Following the complaint, the police forwarded the matter to the FRRO, which subsequently directed the actor to leave India by October 28.

Khan has sought cancellation of the notice and protection against further action by the authorities. The Bombay High Court is scheduled to take up the matter again on November 2.