Bollywood actor Imran Khan Pal has approached the Bombay High Court challenging a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) notice directing him to leave India by October 28, 2026. The petition, filed on October 17, questions the legality of the directive issued under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, following his participation in a protest in Mumbai.
Khan, an American citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, has sought the quashing of the notice and interim protection against deportation while his challenge is considered.
Background
The dispute follows Khan’s participation in a protest at August Kranti Maidan on October 10, demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Mumbai Police briefly detained him before releasing him later that day.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya subsequently complained to the police, seeking action over Khan’s participation in the demonstration. The matter was referred to the FRRO, which issued the departure directive dated October 14.
The notice states:
“It has come to our notice that you, Imran Khan Pal, a United States of America (USA) national have contravened the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 and the Rules and Orders made thereunder.”
In his petition, Khan argues that the authorities directed him to leave India without giving him an opportunity to explain his position. He also contends that the notice does not adequately specify the conduct constituting the alleged violation.
The plea states,
“Directing a lifelong resident to leave India on account of a brief and unjust detention, from which he was released the same evening, is wholly disproportionate.”
Khan further claims that the action disregards his OCI status and the procedural safeguards applicable to its cancellation. He has invoked Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which protect equality before the law and the right to life and personal liberty.
The petition also challenges the alleged haste in issuing the directive, arguing that the decision was influenced by political pressure rather than an independent assessment.
Khan has asked the High Court to quash the October 14 notice and stay its operation. He has also sought protection against deportation and other coercive measures while the petition remains pending.
