Actor Imran Khan is preparing to challenge the FRRO’s order directing him to leave India by October 28, 2026. His lawyer, Zulfiqar Memon, is expected to file a petition before the Bombay High Court.
Actor Imran Khan is set to approach the Bombay High Court against the order issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), asking him to leave India. The development comes after the actor faced action following his participation in a protest in Mumbai.
According to the reported details, the FRRO has directed Khan to leave the country by October 28, 2026. His lawyer, Zulfiqar Memon, will challenge the order in court.
The matter has attracted attention because Khan is an American citizen and holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The legal challenge is expected to bring the circumstances surrounding the order into focus.
Why Has Imran Khan Been Asked to Leave India?
The controversy began after Imran Khan participated in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidaan. The demonstration called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Khan attended the protest alongside his partner, Lekha Washington, and his cousin, Zayne Marie Khan. They were detained by the police and later released.
Following the incident, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint alleging that Khan’s participation in the political protest was inappropriate because he is an American citizen.
The complaint was subsequently forwarded to the FRRO, which issued the order directing the actor to leave India.
What Is the Government’s Position on the Issue?
The FRRO’s reported position is that holding an OCI card does not automatically allow a person to participate in political protests in India.
The order has been issued under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Section 7 of the legislation empowers the Central Government to issue directions concerning the entry, departure, presence and movement of foreign nationals in India.
The legal challenge in the Bombay High Court will bring the order under judicial scrutiny. The court’s consideration of the petition will be an important development in determining the next steps in the case.
Political Reactions to the FRRO Order
The decision has also drawn criticism from Abu Azmi, chief of the Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra unit.
Opposing the action, Azmi said that Khan remains connected to India despite holding American citizenship. He argued that taking such a strict step over the actor’s participation in the protest was unjustified.
Azmi also expressed concern that the action could discourage people from raising questions or expressing their views.
His remarks have added a political dimension to the controversy, with the case raising questions about citizenship status, OCI rights and participation in public demonstrations.
What Did Imran Khan Say During the Protest?
During the demonstration, Imran Khan said that he had attended as someone who lives in Mumbai and wanted to understand why freedom of movement was being restricted.
He also questioned why people’s voices were being suppressed, explaining his reasons for joining the protest.
After being detained and released, the actor shared a photograph from inside a police van on social media. He captioned it humorously, saying, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”
The post drew attention to the incident and brought further public interest to his participation in the demonstration.
What Happens Next?
Imran Khan’s proposed petition before the Bombay High Court is the next major development to watch. His legal team will challenge the FRRO’s order, while the October 28 deadline adds urgency to the matter.
The outcome will depend on the legal arguments presented and the court’s consideration of the case. Until the petition is heard and any further directions are issued, the final outcome remains uncertain.
The case has also renewed discussion about the rights and restrictions applicable to OCI cardholders, particularly when they participate in political activities in India.
Disclaimer: This report is based on the information available at the time of writing. The legal challenge and its outcome remain subject to further developments.
