‘Unreasonable, unconstitutional’: Imran Khan challenges ‘Leave India’ notice, cites OCI status

Bollywood star Imran Khan has launched a legal challenge in the Bombay High Court against a "Leave India" notice issued by authorities, deeming it "unconstitutional" and an abuse of power. The petition, filed on Saturday, challenges the Leave India Notice (LIN) issued on October 14 by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Khan's lawyer argues that the notice violates the actor's rights under the Constitution and the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status he holds. Khan's petition alleges that the FRRO abused its powers and treated him as a mere American citizen, disregarding his OCI registration that guarantees his right to reside in India. The actor contends that the statutory powers under the Immigration and Foreigners Act (IFA) of 2025 cannot be used to penalize a public figure for merely being near a protest site or expressing concerns about restrictions on freedom of movement.

Khan's lawyer also challenges the jurisdiction of the FRRO to order his removal and questions the lack of any adverse security report to substantiate the grounds for his expulsion. The FRRO has now issued Khan a show-cause notice, demanding an explanation for the cancellation of his OCI registration under Section 7D(e) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Khan has been given 15 days to respond to the FRRO's request.