Actor Imran Khan, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, is set to approach the Bombay High Court challenging a notice directing him to leave India by October 28 for allegedly violating rules by participating in a political protest.
The 43-year-old actor is expected to file a petition through his advocate, Zulfiquar Memon, on Friday, October 16, or Monday, October 19, 2026. The petition is likely to be mentioned for an urgent hearing before a division bench.
In the draft petition, Khan has described the directive as “drastic” and argued that no provision under the existing law or statutory rules expressly prohibits an OCI cardholder from participating in a peaceful protest.
Notice Issued Under Immigration Law
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued the notice after Mumbai Police forwarded a complaint against the actor. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had alleged that Khan violated the rules by participating in a political demonstration despite being a US citizen.
According to reports, the authorities invoked Sections 7(2)(C) and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. These provisions empower the government to regulate the presence and movement of foreign nationals in India and order their removal in specified circumstances.
The notice directs Khan to leave India on or before October 28, warning that deportation proceedings could follow if he fails to comply.
Although Khan holds an OCI card, the authorities have maintained that his participation in the protest falls foul of the applicable rules. The actor is expected to challenge the legal basis of this position before the High Court.
Detained During Anti-CEC Protest
The action follows Khan’s detention during a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10. Demonstrators had gathered in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Khan attended the demonstration with his partner, Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayne Marie Khan. They were detained and later released.
After the incident, the actor shared a photograph from inside a police van, captioning it, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”
Explaining his presence at the protest, Khan said he was there as a resident of Mumbai concerned about restrictions on freedom of movement and people’s ability to express themselves.
Samajwadi Party Leader Opposes Notice
Abu Azmi, chief of the Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra unit, criticised the order directing Khan to leave the country.
“This is wrong. Imran Khan belongs to this country. Even if he has changed his nationality, he is still connected to this country,” Azmi said.
He added that people who move abroad can remain emotionally attached to their homeland and questioned the decision to direct the actor to leave India within a short period.
Azmi also alleged that the action was an attempt to prevent the government’s shortcomings from being exposed.
The Bombay High Court will be asked to examine the legality of the notice and Khan’s challenge to the authorities’ interpretation of the rules governing OCI cardholders.
