Bombay High Court stays FRRO 'Leave India' notice to actor Imran Khan
Synopsis
The Bombay High Court has kept actor Imran Khan's FRRO 'Leave India' notice on hold until 7 December — but at a price: an unconditional apology for allegedly breaching OCI card rules by joining a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. With a BJP leader simultaneously pushing for a Look Out Circular, Khan's legal battle is far from over.
Key Takeaways
The Bombay High Court continued interim protection to actor Imran Khan , keeping the FRRO 's 'Leave India' notice stayed until 7 December .
The court directed Khan to tender an unconditional apology for the alleged violation of OCI card rules; a mere undertaking was deemed insufficient.
Khan was detained on 10 October after participating in a protest at August Kranti Maidan, Mumbai , demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar .
Action has been taken against him under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act .
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has written to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan seeking a Look Out Circular against Khan and a bar on foreign travel.
The Bombay High Court on 2 November 2026 continued its interim protection to actor Imran Khan, keeping the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO)'s 'Leave India' notice stayed until the next hearing on 7 December. The court also directed Khan to tender an unconditional apology for the alleged violation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) rules, stating that a mere undertaking would not suffice.
What the Court Said
The bench questioned Khan's participation in a protest despite holding an OCI card, noting that OCI cardholders have limited rights under Indian law. Invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — 'the world is one family' — the court acknowledged Khan's long residence in India and said he deserved an opportunity if he offered a genuine apology and gave a formal undertaking.
The court made clear that a routine undertaking would not be sufficient — an unconditional apology for the alleged rule violation was a prerequisite for continued relief.
The Actor's Submission
Khan informed the court that he had no affiliation with any protest group and had lived in India for most of his life, barring approximately two years spent in the United States. He expressed willingness to give any undertaking the court required. His lawyer argued that no specific allegations had been made against him in the First Information Report (FIR) and that the offences were bailable in nature.
Background: The Protest and the Notice
The actor was issued the FRRO notice to leave the country within days of participating in a protest at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan on 10 October, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Khan was detained by the Mumbai Police on 10 October in connection with the protest. Action has been taken against him under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, and he has received a copy of the notice.
BJP Leader Seeks Look Out Circular
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Member of Parliament Kirit Somaiya had separately approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities, urging the issuance of a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Khan. In a letter dated 13 October to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Somaiya called on the ministry to prevent Khan from travelling abroad under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 and asked the Bureau of Immigration to issue an LOC and notify police should he attempt to leave India. Somaiya also requested that Khan be barred from leaving the country until an inquiry into his complaint and the Mumbai police investigation are completed.
What Happens Next
The matter is listed for the next hearing on 7 December. Khan's continued stay in India is contingent on him filing an unconditional apology as directed by the court. How the Centre responds to the BJP leader's LOC request — and whether the court's direction for an apology changes the government's posture — will define the next stage of this legal battle.
Point of View
Political protest rights, and the special status conferred by OCI cards — a combination that makes it a genuine test of how broadly the state can deploy deportation-adjacent tools against dissent. The court's invocation of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is notable: it signals sympathy for long-resident OCI holders, but conditioning relief on an 'unconditional apology' creates a precedent that could chill future political participation by OCI cardholders. The BJP's parallel push for a Look Out Circular — which would prevent departure rather than force it — introduces a contradictory pressure that the court will have to reconcile. Mainstream coverage has focused on the actor's identity; the more consequential story is what this case clarifies about the political rights, or lack thereof, of India's roughly 45 lakh OCI card holders.
NationPress
2 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FRRO 'Leave India' notice issued to actor Imran Khan?
The Foreign Regional Registration Office issued a notice directing actor Imran Khan to leave India following his participation in a protest at August Kranti Maidan, Mumbai on 10 October, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Action was taken against him under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act.
What did the Bombay High Court rule on 2 November?
The Bombay High Court continued its interim stay on the FRRO's 'Leave India' notice, protecting Khan from deportation until the next hearing on 7 December. The court also directed him to file an unconditional apology for the alleged violation of OCI card rules, saying a mere undertaking would not be sufficient.
Why is Imran Khan's OCI card relevant to this case?
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders enjoy several rights in India but have limited political rights, including restrictions on participating in protests. The court noted that Khan's presence at a politically charged demonstration may have violated those conditions, which is the basis of the immigration action against him.
What has BJP leader Kirit Somaiya demanded?
Former MP Kirit Somaiya has written to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan seeking a Look Out Circular against Khan to prevent him from leaving India until inquiries are completed. He also urged the Bureau of Immigration to notify police if Khan attempts to travel abroad.
What happens at the 7 December hearing?
The Bombay High Court will hear the matter afresh on 7 December. Khan's continued stay in India depends on him having filed the unconditional apology as directed. The court will also likely examine whether the government has acted on the BJP leader's LOC request.
