Actor Imran Khan has approached the Bombay High Court seeking an urgent stay on a notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which has directed him to leave India by October 28.The petition, filed through advocates Zulfiquar Memon, Parvez Memon and Chirag Naik, described the notice as “arbitrary, unreasoned and wholly misconceived”, arguing that it violates the principles of natural justice as it was issued without giving him an opportunity to be heard. He has also alleged that the action infringes upon his fundamental rights to equality under Article 14 and to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Khan, who was given two weeks to leave the country, has stated that he has been residing in India since he was two years old. He e-filed his petition on Saturday, the same day the FRRO issued a fresh notice asking him to show cause why action should not be taken against him under the laws governing foreigners and OCI cardholders.Challenging the original notice dated October 14, Khan’s plea termed it a “punitive executive action” and alleged that he was being made a “scapegoat”. It further claimed that the notice appeared to have been issued for “extraneous” reasons to “stifle perceived dissent.”The petition is likely to be mentioned for an urgent hearing on Monday. It also emphasises that the constitutional protections guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 extend to foreigners residing in India. Khan has argued that the authorities issued the notice without providing reasons or giving him a reasonable opportunity to present his case.The legal challenge comes after Khan was detained during a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10. The demonstration saw participants demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.Through his plea, Khan has sought to quash the FRRO notice and requested that the authorities produce the records and material on the basis of which the decision was taken. He has argued that the notice does not specify the alleged violation and fails to take into account his status as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.The notice describes Khan as a US national and alleges violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, along with the rules and orders framed under it. It also warns of prosecution if he does not leave India within the stipulated deadline.However, Khan’s petition contends that the authorities have not identified the specific provision he allegedly violated or explained when and how the breach occurred. It further argues that the FRRO has considered him only a US national, disregarding the rights associated with his OCI status and his long-standing residence in India.According to the plea, Khan was directed to leave the country within 14 days without a prior inquiry, a show-cause notice or an opportunity to present his case.The petition also challenges the basis of the action, arguing that the protest took place at a venue that was not a restricted area and that OCI cardholders are not barred from participating in demonstrations.Referring to the events leading up to his detention, the plea claims that footage would establish that Khan did not breach any barricades and was in the process of leaving when mediapersons surrounded him. He was subsequently detained by the police along with his partner, Lekha Washington, and cousin, Zayn Marie Khan.Khan has described the direction to leave India as disproportionate, arguing that it would force a lifelong resident to uproot his life over an unproven case involving bailable offences, in which no chargesheet has been filed.In his petition, the actor stated that he has been living in India since he was two years old. He argued that denying interim relief would leave him with no option but to leave the country, his home, family and livelihood.“Such loss cannot be compensated in terms of money or otherwise,” the plea stated.The petition further maintains that the impugned notice does not disclose any security concern or urgency warranting such action. It argues that keeping the notice in abeyance until the petition is heard and finally decided would not prejudice the authorities.The matter follows demands for Khan’s deportation by BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya, who alleged that the actor’s participation in a political demonstration amounted to a violation of immigration rules. Somaiya also called on Mumbai Police to verify Khan’s citizenship status.At the October 10 protest, Khan had said he was attending as a resident of Mumbai and was not representing any political organisation. He also questioned restrictions on freedom of movement and alleged that attempts were being made to silence people.Following his detention, the actor shared a photograph taken inside a police van on social media, captioning it: “Apparently, I am going for a ride.”
