Imran Khan Challenges 'Leave India' Notice in Bombay High Court
Actor Imran Khan contests a notice requiring him to leave India, citing his curiosity about a protest in Mumbai.
Imran Khan argues he approached a protest site out of curiosity, not involvement.
The notice to leave India was issued without a prior show-cause notice, according to his petition.
Khan, a US citizen and OCI cardholder, claims his rights are being violated.
Actor Imran Khan has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court challenging a 'Leave India' notice that requires him to exit the country by October 28. Khan stated that he approached the August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai on October 10 out of curiosity regarding a protest, but complied with police instructions when informed the area was restricted. His petition argues that he was detained only after being surrounded by media personnel, and he asserts that he had no intention of participating in the protest.
The protests in question are part of a broader wave of demonstrations across India, particularly in New Delhi and Mumbai, which allege electoral fraud by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in collusion with the Election Commission. Both entities have denied these allegations. Khan, who has lived in India since he was two years old and holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, emphasizes that he was not involved in the protest and that no such gathering was occurring when he arrived.
In his legal challenge, Khan's petition highlights that he was not given a show-cause notice before being asked to leave India. After filing his petition, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued a notice, which his lawyer is currently reviewing. Khan's legal team argues that the 'Leave India' notice is arbitrary, lacking justification and due process.
Khan's background adds complexity to the situation. Born in the United States, he has been a resident of India for most of his life. His mother, Nushat Khan, is a psychologist residing in Mumbai, and he has familial ties to Bollywood, being a cousin of actor Aamir Khan. The petition asserts that Khan's status as an OCI cardholder should afford him certain rights that cannot be disregarded without due process.
Looking ahead, Khan seeks a stay on the notice and protection against deportation or blacklisting. His case raises significant questions about the rights of OCI cardholders and the implications of political pressures on foreign citizens residing in India. The next hearing in this matter will be crucial in determining the outcome of Khan's legal battle against the notice.
