Imran Khan Fights Deportation: Actor Moves Bombay HC to Quash 'Illegal' FRRO Notice
Actor Imran Khan challenges a notice directing him to leave India by Oct 28, calling the FRRO's action arbitrary and unconstitutional.
In a sudden legal battle, actor Imran Khan has approached the Bombay High Court to challenge a directive from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Mumbai, which has ordered him to leave India by October 28. The actor has slammed the notice as arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional, seeking the court's urgent intervention to prevent his removal from the country.
The Legal Challenge
Represented by advocate Zulfikar Memon, Khan is expected to mention the matter before the High Court on Monday, October 19, requesting an expedited hearing. The core of the petition focuses on a notice received by the actor on October 15, which mandated his departure within a very tight window.
Khan’s legal team argues that the FRRO failed to follow due process. Specifically, the petition highlights the following gaps:
- Lack of Specifics: The notice does not mention which specific provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, were allegedly violated.
- No Right to be Heard: The actor contends that the order was issued without a prior show-cause notice or any opportunity for him to present his side of the story.
- Missing Evidence: The petition claims the authorities provided no details regarding the material or evidence used to justify the direction to leave.
A Life Rooted in India
The petition emphasizes the actor's deep-rooted connection to the country. Imran Khan has held Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status since 2006 and has lived in India since he was approximately two years old. He has cited his entire education, his professional career in the film industry, and his extensive family ties as evidence of his longstanding association with the nation.
The Trigger: October 10 Incident
The actor believes the FRRO's sudden action is linked to an incident that occurred on October 10 near Nana Chowk and August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai. According to the petition, Khan was returning to his vehicle when he was surrounded by media members and subsequently apprehended by the police.
While the police action led to him being taken to the Yellow Gate Police Station along with family members before being released, Khan maintains his innocence. He denies entering any barricaded or restricted zones and asserts that he did not disobey any police instructions.
The FIR Connection
The petition points to an FIR registered at the Gamdevi Police Station on October 10 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Khan argues that the FRRO notice appears to be a direct result of this FIR, despite the fact that:
- The allegations remain unproven.
- No chargesheet had been filed at the time the notice was issued.
- No formal charges had been framed against him.
Seeking Protection from Deportation
Describing the direction to leave India as "disproportionate," the actor warns that such a move would have severe consequences for his life and career. He also expressed concern over the timing of the notice, mentioning public calls for action against him.
The petition asks the Bombay High Court to:
- Quash the October 14 notice issued by the FRRO.
- Compel the FRRO to disclose the records and materials relied upon for the order.
- Grant interim protection against coercive measures, including deportation, blacklisting, or any action that could jeopardize his OCI registration while the case is pending.