Imran Khan, a Bollywood actor and US citizen, has received a notice from the Central government mandating his departure from India due to alleged breaches of immigration regulations. This notice was issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and includes a departure order requiring him to leave the country by October 28. The order follows Khan’s brief detention during a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10, which was organised in support of the Cockroach Janta Party’s call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The FRRO’s communication also included a show-cause notice asking Khan to explain why his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration should not be cancelled. The actor’s involvement in the protest has been cited as a potential violation of the terms associated with his OCI status.

Khan’s response to the show-cause notice highlights his request for access to the evidence that led to the issuance of the notice. He argues that transparency is essential for him to effectively address the allegations made against him.

Khan’s Response to the Show-Cause Notice

In his reply to the FRRO, Khan has formally requested the disclosure of the material on which the authorities based their decision. He emphasised that, according to legal principles, he is entitled to know the evidence that supports the proposed action against him. His response indicates that he has not received complete information from the Mumbai Police regarding the allegations.

Khan asserted that the lack of access to certain documents, including a report from the Mumbai Police, hampers his ability to respond adequately. He invoked principles of natural justice, arguing that he was not given an opportunity to present his side of the story during the investigation.

He further expressed that the grounds for the cancellation of his OCI registration were vague and inconsistent. Khan believes that disclosing the evidence relied upon by the authorities would foster a fair and transparent decision-making process, as mandated by the Immigration and Foreigners Act.

Legal Developments in Khan’s Case

Imran Khan has taken legal action against the FRRO’s departure order by filing a petition in the Bombay High Court. On October 27, the court issued a temporary stay of the notice, pausing any action until November 2. The bench, which included Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna, adjourned the hearing after the government counsel assured the court that no coercive measures would be taken against Khan until the next session.

The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, representing the FRRO, requested additional time for the matter to be reviewed. Khan’s petition argues that he did not participate in the protest and has no connection with its organisers, thereby challenging the basis for the departure order.

It is important to note that holding an OCI card does not provide the same rights as those granted under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the freedom of speech and assembly. This legal distinction is significant in the context of Khan’s ongoing situation.

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