Bombay High Court to hear Imran Khan's plea against 'Leave India Notice' on October 26

The Bombay High Court on Monday agreed to hear actor Imran Khan's challenge to a notice directing him to leave India by October 28 over his alleged attempt to participate in a protest demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The actor, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, has disputed the allegations and argued that the notice was issued without giving him an opportunity to be heard.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna scheduled the matter for October 26 after Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond mentioned the petition before it.

During the hearing, the bench asked whether Khan had any antecedents. Dhond told the court that there were none against the actor.

FRRO notice follows Mumbai protest

Khan was detained by Mumbai Police on October 10 after he was allegedly linked to a protest at August Kranti Maidan. Demonstrators at the gathering demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Following the incident, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya lodged a complaint with Mumbai Police, highlighting that Khan was a US citizen rather than an Indian citizen and seeking action against him for allegedly violating the law.

The police subsequently informed the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO), which issued a notice directing the actor to leave India on or before October 28.

Actor challenges notice, denies joining protest

The notice cited the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, stating that Khan's alleged conduct contravened the law. It also warned that he could face prosecution under the relevant provisions if he failed to comply with the direction to leave the country.

In his petition before the High Court, Khan has argued that the FRRO issued the notice without providing him an opportunity for a hearing. He has also contended that the action violates the statutory rights available to OCI cardholders.

The actor has denied participating in the protest, maintaining that he was detained while merely standing near the site. The High Court is scheduled to hear his challenge on October 26, two days before the deadline mentioned in the notice.