Imran Khan Moves Bombay High Court, Seeks Urgent Stay on FRRO’s ‘Leave India’ Notice
Actor challenges directive to leave India by October 28, arguing that authorities failed to specify the alleged immigration violation and denied him an opportunity to present his case.
MUMBAI— Bollywood actor Imran Khan has approached the Bombay High Court seeking an urgent stay on a notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) directing him to leave India by October 28.
In his writ petition, the actor challenged the order, arguing that the FRRO had failed to specify the alleged immigration violation that formed the basis of its decision. He also urged the court to direct the authorities to produce the records and material on which the order was based.
The petition further contended that the FRRO had failed to take into account Khan’s rights as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, including his long-standing residence in the country.
According to the petition, Khan was given only 14 days to leave India without a prior inquiry, a show-cause notice or an opportunity to present his side of the case.
The actor also disputed the circumstances surrounding his participation in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, arguing that the protest site was not a restricted area and that he had not breached any police barricades.
The petition stated that Khan was leaving the site when he was suddenly surrounded by media personnel, following which he was detained.
FRRO Cites Alleged Violation of Foreigners Act
The FRRO directed Khan to leave India by October 28 over his alleged participation in protests held at August Kranti Maidan demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
In its order, the authorities accused the actor of violating the Foreigners Act by participating in the protest, citing his status as an OCI cardholder rather than an Indian citizen.
Khan has challenged the basis of the directive, questioning the lack of a specified violation and the procedure followed in issuing the notice.
The writ petition seeks urgent judicial intervention to stay the order and requires the authorities to disclose the material underlying their decision.
Kirit Somaiya Seeks Look Out Circular
The development follows a separate move by BJP leader and former Member of Parliament Kirit Somaiya, who approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities on October 13.
Somaiya urged the authorities to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Khan.
The actor’s petition brings the dispute before the Bombay High Court, where he is seeking relief against the FRRO’s directive to leave the country. (Source: IANS)
