Bollywood actor Imran Khan has moved the Bombay High Court to challenge a ‘leave India’ notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The notice, served by Mumbai Police on Thursday, directs the actor—who holds an American passport—to depart the country by October 28. Authorities allege that Khan violated the Foreigners Act by participating in a recent protest in Mumbai, leading to action under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act.
The controversy stems from an incident last week when the actor was detained by police while attending a demonstration. Following his detention, Khan shared a photo of himself inside a police van with the caption, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.” Addressing the media afterward, the actor maintained that he attended the protest as a resident of Mumbai without specific political demands, while questioning the restrictions placed on the freedom of movement and the suppression of public voices. His legal team has confirmed that a formal appeal will be filed in the High Court next week to contest the deportation order.
The legal trouble follows a vocal campaign led by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who demanded the actor’s immediate arrest and deportation. Somaiya has accused Khan of misusing his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status by engaging in what he termed “political extremism.” The BJP leader claimed to have submitted evidence to the police regarding the actor’s speeches and past remarks, alleging that Khan violated the conditions of his visa and OCI provisions by participating in an illegal political agitation. As the legal battle unfolds, further details regarding the specific grounds of the actor’s appeal are currently awaited.