Bollywood actor Imran Khan is preparing to challenge the Foreigners Regional Registration Office’s (FRRO) order directing him to leave India by October 28, with his lawyer set to file a petition in the Bombay High Court.

Lawyer Zulfiqar Memon of MZM Legal LLP will represent the actor in the legal challenge. Khan, an American citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, has received a copy of the notice issued by immigration authorities following his participation in a protest in Mumbai.

The proposed petition marks the latest development in the controversy surrounding Khan’s participation in the October 10 demonstration at August Kranti Maidan, where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Why is Imran Khan challenging the order?

The FRRO’s action followed a complaint by BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya, who sought action against Khan for participating in a political protest despite being an American citizen.

Khan was among those detained by Mumbai Police during the demonstration and was released later. His participation in the protest subsequently drew the attention of immigration authorities, who reportedly held that his actions violated provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

The notice invokes Sections 7 and 29 of the Act. Section 7 empowers the government to regulate or restrict the entry, departure, presence and movement of foreigners in India, while Section 29 provides for action relating to their removal.

Somaiya had also written to the Union Home Ministry and immigration authorities seeking a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Khan and restrictions on his overseas travel pending an inquiry into his complaint.
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What did Imran Khan say during the protest?

Khan attended the Mumbai protest alongside his partner, actor Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan. All three were detained and subsequently released.

Explaining his presence at the demonstration, Khan had said he was attending as a resident of the city concerned about restrictions on freedom of movement and the suppression of people's voices.

“I don't have demands. I am here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city,” he had said.

The actor later shared a photograph from inside a police van on social media, captioning it, “Apparently I'm going for a drive.”
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Political reactions to the FRRO notice

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned what he described as different treatment of foreign nationals expressing political opinions. Referring to American singer Mary Millben's support for the BJP, Dipke said Khan was being targeted for expressing views against the ruling party.

The order has also drawn criticism from Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi, who questioned the decision to direct Khan to leave India.

Azmi argued that the actor's change of nationality did not erase his connection to India and described the action as excessively harsh.

The actor's proposed legal challenge will bring the FRRO's order before the Bombay High Court. Khan has been directed to leave India by October 28, and the petition is expected to contest the immigration authorities' action.