Mumbai: Actor Imran Khan has approached the Bombay High Court challenging an order directing him to leave India by October 28 following his detention near August Kranti Maidan during a protest on October 10. In his petition, the actor described the notice as arbitrary and argued that it was issued without providing him an opportunity to explain his position.
Khan, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, maintained that he visited the area out of curiosity and had no connection with the organisers of the demonstration. According to his petition, he began leaving after police informed him that the area was restricted but was detained after media personnel gathered around him. He also questioned the allegations levelled against him in the police case.
The actor argued that the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) had not adequately explained the grounds for issuing the notice and had failed to give him a hearing beforehand. He has sought a stay on the order and protection against deportation, blacklisting or action affecting his OCI status.
Meanwhile, the FRRO issued a separate show-cause notice asking Khan to explain within 15 days why his OCI registration should not be cancelled. The development adds another legal dimension to the case, with the actor challenging the action taken against him and seeking judicial intervention.
