News Desk: Bollywood actor Imran Khan, who holds US nationality, has been directed to leave India by October 28, according to a notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in Mumbai. The actor’s lawyer has said that the notice will be challenged in the Bombay High Court.
The notice, dated October 14, alleges that Khan violated provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, along with the rules and orders issued under it. It warns that failure to comply with the direction could make him liable for prosecution.
Khan received the notice on Thursday, October 15, according to his counsel. The development comes days after the actor was briefly detained during a protest in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
A former BJP MP had reportedly lodged a complaint with the Mumbai Police over Khan’s participation in the demonstration.
### What does the notice say?
The FRRO notice cites Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Section 7 empowers the government to direct a foreign national to leave India, while Section 29 provides for the removal of foreigners in specified circumstances.
The notice states that Khan must depart from India on or before October 28, 2026. It also warns that non-compliance could lead to prosecution under the relevant provisions of the law.
### Questions over OCI status
Reports have stated that Khan holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, although Hindustan Times said it could not independently verify this information.
An OCI card allows eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin to visit India under specified conditions. However, OCI cardholders remain foreign nationals and do not enjoy all the rights available to Indian citizens. They cannot vote or contest elections, for example.
The legal position regarding an OCI cardholder’s participation in political protests has also drawn attention following the notice.
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which came into force on September 1, 2025, replaced the Foreigners Act, 1946, along with three other laws. While the legislation gives the government broad powers over foreign nationals, it does not explicitly mention a blanket prohibition on participating in protests.
### Legal challenge expected
Khan’s counsel, Parvez Memon, said the legal team was finalising a petition and intended to approach the Bombay High Court on Friday, October 16, seeking an urgent hearing.
The case could raise important questions about the government’s powers over foreign nationals, the legal protections available to OCI cardholders and the circumstances in which a departure order can be challenged.
The outcome will depend on the arguments presented before the court and its assessment of the applicable laws.
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