Bollywood actor Imran Khan has approached the Bombay High Court to challenge a notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) directing him to leave India by October 28. The actor has reportedly argued that he was not given an opportunity to present his side before the notice was issued.
The legal challenge follows Khan’s detention by Mumbai Police on October 10 after he was spotted near a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). He was released later the same day.
Khan, known for films including Katti Batti, has denied participating in the protest and maintained that he was merely standing near the site. The case has now moved to the Bombay High Court, where his petition is scheduled to be heard on October 26.
Bombay High Court Schedules Hearing for October 26
Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond mentioned Khan’s petition before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna.
During the proceedings, the bench asked about the actor’s legal antecedents. Dhond responded that Khan had no such history, according to reports.
The court has scheduled a hearing for October 26 to consider the actor’s challenge to the FRRO notice directing him to leave India.
The hearing is expected to address the legal issues raised in the petition, including Khan’s reported contention that he was not given an opportunity to explain his position before the notice was issued.
The outcome could determine the next steps in the proceedings concerning the departure notice. However, the court’s final decision remains pending.
Why Was Imran Khan Detained in Mumbai?
Khan was detained by police on October 10 after being spotted near a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party in Mumbai.
The actor was released on the same day. Following the incident, he denied taking part in the demonstration and said he had only been standing near the protest site.
His detention attracted attention after he shared a photograph from inside a police van on Instagram. The actor accompanied the image with the caption, “Apparently, I’m going for a drive.”
The post quickly became a talking point among social media users as details of the incident emerged.
Khan’s position is that being present near the protest did not mean he was participating in it. His legal challenge will now proceed before the High Court as the circumstances surrounding the notice are examined.
Imran Khan’s OCI Status Also Under Scrutiny
In addition to challenging the notice directing him to leave India, Khan has reportedly received a separate communication from the FRRO asking him to explain why his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status should not be cancelled.
According to The Times of India, the actor is a United States citizen and holds an OCI card.
OCI status provides eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin with certain immigration and residency-related privileges under Indian law. It is distinct from Indian citizenship and does not confer the full rights of an Indian citizen.
The separate notice means that Khan is also facing a process concerning the continuation of his OCI status. The notice reportedly seeks his explanation, and its issuance should not be treated as confirmation that his status has already been cancelled.
The actor’s challenge to the departure notice and the separate OCI proceedings concern related but distinct legal matters.
What Happens Next in the Case?
The October 26 hearing is the next key development in Khan’s legal challenge, coming two days before the reported October 28 deadline in the FRRO notice.
The High Court will consider the petition and the arguments presented by the actor’s legal team. Any directions issued by the bench could affect how the matter proceeds.
The separate proceedings concerning his OCI status may also remain relevant to his overall immigration position in India.
For now, the actor’s immediate legal focus is on challenging the direction to leave the country. His contention that he was not given an opportunity to present his case remains an argument to be considered through the legal process.
The case has drawn attention because it involves a well-known Bollywood actor, an immigration notice, and questions surrounding his reported presence near a political protest. Further developments are expected following the scheduled hearing.
Until the court considers the petition and the relevant authorities complete the applicable proceedings, the final outcome of Khan’s challenge remains unresolved.