Imran Khan to challenge October 28 India exit deadline in Bombay High Court

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Imran Khan, who was directed by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to leave India by October 28, is set to approach the Bombay High Court to challenge the notice.

The actor was ordered to leave India over his alleged participation in the August Kranti Maidan protests on October 10, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The FRRO stated in its order that the actor had allegedly violated the Foreigners Act by participating in the protest, as he is not an Indian citizen and holds Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status.

Imran Khan is considering filing a writ petition in the Bombay High Court challenging the FRRO notice. He has engaged MZM Legal LLP to represent him. Zulfiqar Memon, managing partner of MZM Legal, was contacted for comment but declined to comment at this stage.

The actor was issued the notice days after participating in the protest. Action has been taken against Imran under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, and he has received a copy of the notice. He was detained by the police on October 10 in connection with the protest.

According to the information provided, action has been initiated against Imran under the relevant provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act for allegedly participating in the protest despite not being an Indian citizen.

On October 13, BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities, urging them to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against the actor.

Somaiya also requested that Imran be barred from leaving the country until an inquiry into his complaint and the investigation into a Mumbai police case are completed.

In a letter dated October 13 to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Somaiya urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue directions preventing Khan from travelling abroad under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. He also asked the Bureau of Immigration to issue an LOC against the actor and notify the police if he attempted to leave India.

The move follows the October 10 protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.