Mumbai — Actor Imran Khan has moved the Bombay High Court against a Mumbai Police notice directing him to leave India by October 28 for allegedly violating rules by taking part in a political demonstration, according to reports. Khan is a United States citizen and holds an Overseas Citizen of India card.
The 43-year-old actor has asked the court to quash the notice and suspend its operation until his petition is decided, describing the directive as illegal, perverse, drastic, and bad in law.
Khan filed the petition through legal counsel, arguing that existing laws and regulations do not prohibit an OCI cardholder from participating in a peaceful protest. The legal challenge is expected to be brought before a division bench for an urgent hearing.
The petition states that the notice was issued without disclosing any reasons, supporting materials, or specific statutory contraventions. It argues that the directive was handed down without any prior inquiry, show-cause notice, or opportunity for the actor to respond to the alleged violations.
The police action stems from Khan's brief detention during a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai. Protesters had gathered in solidarity with a separate demonstration in Delhi demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over the SIR issue.
Authorities invoked specific sections of the Immigration and Foreigners Act to issue the departure order, which allow the government to restrict the movement of foreign nationals and order their removal following rule violations or adverse security reports. If Khan does not leave by the specified deadline, deportation proceedings may be initiated against him.