Imran Khan Challenges ‘Leave India’ Notice, Says He Went to Mumbai Protest Out of Curiosity

Actor Imran Khan has approached the Bombay High Court to challenge a notice directing him to leave India by October 28, 2026, following his presence at a protest in Mumbai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In his petition, the actor has argued that he visited the area out of curiosity about the gathering and did not intend to participate in organising or mobilising the demonstration.

Khan, an American citizen who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has questioned the legal basis of the notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). He has described the order as arbitrary and argued that it was issued without providing him a reasonable opportunity to explain his position.

The case follows his detention near August Kranti Maidan in south Mumbai on October 10, when demonstrators had gathered amid allegations of electoral irregularities. The Election Commission and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have rejected allegations of electoral wrongdoing.

Actor Says He Left After Police Restricted Access

According to Khan’s court petition, he was travelling with family members when he reached the Nana Chowk area at around 5 pm on October 10. He noticed barricades near August Kranti Maidan and approached police personnel to understand why movement in the area was restricted.

The petition states that no protesters were visible at the location when he arrived, although police officers and media representatives were present. Khan has maintained that his interest was limited to understanding the situation and that he complied when police informed him that access to the area was restricted.

His legal filing disputes the allegation that he helped assemble a crowd or encouraged people to join the demonstration. It also challenges the police account that the accused gathered at the site earlier in the afternoon and incited hundreds of people.

Khan was subsequently detained along with members of his family and taken to Yellow Gate police station before being allowed to leave.

Why Was the Notice Issued?

The FRRO issued the Leave India Notice on October 14, invoking provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The notice directed Khan to leave the country by October 28, alleging a violation of the law governing foreign nationals in India.

Khan has argued that the order does not adequately explain the specific conduct that allegedly violated the legislation. His petition also questions the absence of a prior opportunity to respond to the allegations.

Following the filing of the petition, the FRRO issued a separate show-cause notice concerning the possible cancellation of his OCI registration. The actor's legal team said it was examining the contents of that notice and would address the issue before the court.

Khan has sought relief against the departure order and requested protection against deportation, blacklisting or action affecting his OCI status while the matter is considered.

OCI Status at the Centre of Legal Dispute

A central issue in the case is the legal position of OCI cardholders. Although the status allows eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin certain long-term residency and other privileges, it does not confer full Indian citizenship or all rights available to Indian citizens.

Restrictions on political activities by foreign nationals are also relevant to the dispute. The court will need to consider the applicable legal provisions alongside the facts surrounding Khan's presence at the protest.

The actor has lived in India since he was two years old, according to his petition. He is known for his role in the 2008 film Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na.

High Court Proceedings Awaited

Khan has asked the Bombay High Court to stay and quash the Leave India Notice. His petition also challenges the allegations recorded in the police case connected with the demonstration.

The outcome will depend on the legal arguments, the documents submitted by the authorities and the court's assessment of the circumstances. Until a decision is reached, the dispute remains a question of immigration law, OCI status and the procedure followed in issuing the notice.

The case is expected to draw attention to the limits of political participation by foreign nationals and the safeguards available when immigration authorities take action against an OCI cardholder.