Bollywood actor Imran Khan is facing a legal battle over a notice directing him to leave India by October 28, 2026. The actor, who is a US citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, has approached the Bombay High Court to challenge the order issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Mumbai.
The court has scheduled a hearing on October 26, just two days before the deadline mentioned in the notice. Imran has asked the court to set aside the order and stay its implementation while his petition is being considered.
The case has attracted attention because the actor has reportedly lived in India since he was two years old. His legal challenge raises questions about the process followed by immigration authorities and the rights he claims are available to him as an OCI cardholder.
Why Was Imran Khan Issued a Leave India Notice?
The controversy began after Imran was briefly detained by Mumbai Police on October 10 during events surrounding a protest at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai. The demonstration was linked to demands for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Following the incident, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya reportedly approached the police, raising concerns about Imran’s alleged involvement in the protest despite his US citizenship.
The matter was subsequently referred to the FRRO, which issued a Leave India Notice dated October 14, directing the actor to leave the country by October 28.
The authorities’ action was based on alleged violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. However, the allegations have not been established as a final judicial finding, and Imran has challenged the basis and procedure behind the notice.
Imran Denies Participating in the Protest
In his petition, Imran has disputed the claim that he participated in the demonstration. His legal team has maintained that he was near the protest site but did not enter the gathering or take part in the demonstration.
His lawyers have argued that he was detained while returning towards his vehicle after media personnel gathered around him. They have also contended that the authorities issued the notice without first giving him an opportunity to explain his position.
Senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, representing the actor, told the court during an earlier hearing that Imran had no criminal antecedents. The legal team has described the notice as arbitrary and disproportionate and has sought protection against coercive action while the case remains pending.
The actor’s petition also questions whether the authorities adequately considered his long residence in India and his legal status as an OCI cardholder.
OCI Status Also Comes Under Scrutiny
The controversy has extended beyond the Leave India Notice. According to reports, the FRRO has also issued a separate show-cause notice asking Imran to explain why his OCI registration should not be cancelled.
The notice reportedly refers to Section 7D(e) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Under the law, OCI registration can be cancelled on specified grounds, subject to the applicable legal requirements, including an opportunity to be heard.
A show-cause notice is not itself a final cancellation decision. It asks the recipient to respond before the authorities decide what further action, if any, is warranted.
Imran’s legal team has questioned the sequence of events and argued that he should have been allowed to present his explanation before the Leave India direction was issued.
What Happens at the October 26 Hearing?
The Bombay High Court hearing is significant because it falls shortly before the October 28 deadline. Imran has sought to have the notice quashed and its operation stayed while his petition is pending.
The court could consider the arguments of both sides, seek further information from the authorities or pass an interim order. The precise outcome will depend on the submissions made during the hearing and the court’s directions.
As of the latest reports available before the scheduled hearing, no final decision on Imran’s challenge had been confirmed. It would therefore be premature to say that the notice has been cancelled, stayed or upheld.
A Crucial Legal Test for Imran Khan
The case now centres on whether the FRRO’s action withstands judicial scrutiny and whether the actor’s objections about procedure and his OCI status are accepted by the court.
For Imran, the immediate concern is the October 28 deadline. For the authorities, the proceedings will involve defending the legal basis for the notice and responding to the actor’s challenge.
The Bombay High Court’s consideration of the matter is expected to clarify the next steps in the dispute. Until an order is confirmed, the status of the Leave India Notice remains a developing legal matter.
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