Imran Khan Leave India Notice: Bombay High Court to hear actor’s plea on October 26

Actor Imran Khan, a U.S. citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court challenging a 'leave India notice' issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Mumbai. The notice, dated October 17, 2026, directed Khan to leave India by October 28, prompting his legal action.

Khan's lawyer, Venkatesh Dhond, argued that the notice was arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional. The court, consisting of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna, agreed to hear the petition on October 26. Counsel Dhond requested a more immediate hearing, citing the urgency as the notice instructed Khan to leave the country by October 28.

The petition claimed that Khan was not involved in any protest or gathering and had no association with the organizers. He was detained during a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan on October 10, but was subsequently released. Khan's lawyer emphasized that the notice was disproportionate and violated principles of natural justice, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for the treatment of public figures.

Under Section 7 (2)(C) and Section 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, the government has the authority to restrict the presence of foreign nationals and order their removal under specific circumstances. Khan was given until October 28 to comply with the notice or face deportation procedures under Section 29.