Actor ordered to leave India

Actor Imran Khan, a U.S. citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India card, received a police notice directing him to leave India by October 28 after attending a political protest.

Khan challenges notice in court

On October 17, Khan moved the Bombay High Court seeking to quash the departure notice, terming it arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional. The court scheduled a hearing for October 26.

Khan's lawyer argues urgency

Senior counsel Venkatesh Dhond, appearing for Khan, sought an earlier hearing date, noting that Khan must leave by October 28 under the notice. The court maintained October 26.

Khan denies protest participation

Khan's counsel stated he had no criminal antecedents, no pending cases, and had not participated in any gathering. He was detained halfway to the protest and then released.

“He has no criminal antecedents and no case filed or pending against him. He has been living in India since he was two years old.”

Detention at August Kranti Maidan

Khan was briefly detained on October 10 at a protest at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan, organised in solidarity with demonstrations demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

Khan claims no protest connection

In his petition, Khan claimed he had no association, affiliation or connection with any organisation involved in organising the protest against the Chief Election Commissioner.

Government invokes immigration law

Police served the departure order under Section 7 (2)(C) and Section 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, which grant powers to restrict foreign nationals' movement and enforce removal.

Khan also faces OCI revocation notice

Khan received a show-cause notice from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office seeking clarification on why his Overseas Citizen of India status should not be revoked.

Khan seeks stay on departure order

Khan requested the court grant a stay on the notice's operation during the petition's pendency and restrain authorities from taking coercive steps against him. The hearing is October 26.

“Not only is the notice manifestly disproportionate, if implemented, it would reduce the very principles of natural justice to nothing but a dead letter.”