Bombay High Court To Hear Actor Imran Khan's Plea Against 'Leave India' Notice On October 26

The Bombay High Court on Monday agreed to hear a petition filed by actor Imran Khan, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, challenging a "Leave India Notice" issued to him by the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) for allegedly attempting to participate in an anti-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) protest.

A division bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna listed the matter for hearing on October 26 after Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond mentioned the plea before it.

During the mentioning, the bench sought to know whether Khan had any antecedents. Dhond responded that there was no antecedent against him.

Khan has challenged the FRRO notice directing him to leave India on or before October 28.

The actor was detained by Mumbai Police on October 10 for participating in a protest at August Kranti Maidan demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Following the protest, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya lodged a complaint with the Mumbai Police, pointing out that Khan was a US citizen and not an Indian citizen, and sought action against him for allegedly violating the law.

The police subsequently informed the FRRO, which issued the notice directing Khan to leave the country by October 28. The notice stated that his alleged conduct contravened the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and warned of prosecution under the relevant provisions if he failed to comply.

In his petition before the High Court, Khan has contended that the notice was issued without giving him an opportunity of hearing and violates the statutory rights available to OCI cardholders.

 He has also denied taking part in the protest, and stated that he was detained when he was just standing near the site.