The Bombay High Court has put off its hearing on actor Imran Khan’s challenge to a “Leave India” notice until Tuesday. On Monday, a bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna was told that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta would appear, and the matter was listed for 3 pm. Khan’s senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond and Mehta asked for the petition to be heard on Tuesday, and the court agreed. The deadline in the notice is Wednesday, October 28. etvbharat
Khan, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, attended a protest against Gyanesh Kumar near Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10. He was detained at the protest, and the action against him began after a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. Somaiya filed the complaint at Gamdevi police station on October 13, and police referred it to the immigration authority. The FRRO issued the Leave India Notice on October 14, alleging that Khan violated the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Some outlets give October 15 as the date of the notice. Imran Khan asked to leave India: OCI, FRRO, protest law explained +2
The Second Notice
On October 17, the FRRO issued a show-cause notice indicating that his OCI registration could be cancelled. That notice is under Section 7D(e) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. He has 15 days to respond. Bombay HC defers Imran Khan hearing as he has 2 days to leave India +2
Khan’s Case
In his petition, filed through advocates Zulfikar Memon, Parvez Memon and Chirag Naik, Khan argues that the notice gave no reason, supporting material or specific violation, and came without an inquiry, show-cause notice or a chance to respond. He alleges he was targeted because he is a public figure. He has also questioned issuing the notice on the basis of an FIR still under investigation, and argues that the restrictions on gatherings at the time came from a local police order, not the Immigration and Foreigners Act. He seeks cancellation of the notice and protection from coercive action, including deportation. oneindia
The Other Side
The FRRO’s notice cites his US nationality and the alleged breach of the 2025 Act, and warns of prosecution if he stays beyond October 28. Somaiya has described the action as a way to “set an example” for foreign nationals taking part in political activity in India. On October 18, he wrote to the FRRO and the Home Ministry urging them to oppose Khan’s petition and pursue a Look Out Circular against him. I found no detailed statement of the Centre’s legal position yet, and the court will hear it on Tuesday. thequintaninews
Why It Matters
The case tests how far OCI cardholders may take part in political protest, and whether authorities must give a hearing before ordering someone to leave. Both are legal questions the court has not decided, and neither side’s argument should be read as a ruling. With only a day between the hearing and the deadline, the court may be asked for interim protection.
What Comes Next
The key moment is Tuesday at 3 pm, when the court may hear arguments and could pass interim directions. Bolly Orbit will update this report with the outcome.
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