Actor Imran Khan is preparing to challenge the notice directing him to leave India by October 28, with his legal team expected to approach the Bombay High Court by Friday or Monday.
The notice was issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) following allegations that the actor violated the Foreigners Act by participating in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai.Imran, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, is likely to file the petition through advocate Zulfikar Memon of MZM Legal LLP.
According to reports by Bar and Bench, advocates Zulfiquar Memon, Parvez Memon and Chirag Naik will represent the actor.
Watch Imran Khan Receives October 28 Deadline to Leave India After Joining Mumbai’s CJP Protest The plea is expected to challenge the legal basis of the notice, arguing that no provision of the law or any rule bars an OCI cardholder from participating in a protest.
It has reportedly described the directive asking the 43-year-old actor to leave the country as 'drastic'.
Once the petition is filed, his legal team is expected to seek an urgent hearing before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna.The controversy stems from a demonstration held at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10, where Imran joined protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The actor was detained by the police during the protest.Following the demonstration, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint alleging that Imran, being a US citizen, had violated the Foreigners Act by participating in a political demonstration.
Mumbai Police subsequently forwarded the complaint to the FRRO for necessary action.Acting on the complaint, the immigration authority issued a notice directing Imran to leave India on or before October 28.
Reports state that the notice cites his US citizenship and flags his participation in the demonstration as a potential violation of immigration and foreigners regulations.An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card allows eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin to live in India and access certain long-term privileges.
However, OCI status does not confer Indian citizenship, nor does it grant political rights such as voting in elections or contesting them.OCI cardholders remain foreign nationals and are subject to specific rules governing their stay and activities in India.
Imran's proposed legal challenge is expected to contest the basis on which his participation in the protest has been treated as a violation warranting his removal from the country.
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