Imran Khan Gets FRRO Notice Over OCI Status After Mumbai Protest Against Gyanesh Kumar

Actor Imran Khan has received a show-cause notice from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), asking why his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration should not be cancelled following his participation in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai on October 10, 2026. The development comes amid a separate FRRO order directing the actor to leave India by October 28. Khan has challenged the order before the Bombay High Court.

Why Did Imran Khan Receive the FRRO Notice?

The controversy stems from a protest held at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration was associated with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) campaign. Why Mumbai Police Issued a 'Leave India' Notice to Bollywood Actor Imran Khan.

Imran Khan was among those detained by Mumbai Police during the protest. Other participants included Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson Tushar Gandhi and Khan’s partner, Lekha Washington. Police reportedly detained demonstrators because the gathering did not have prior permission. Khan was subsequently released.

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya subsequently sought action against Khan, questioning his participation in a political demonstration despite being a US citizen and an OCI cardholder.

FRRO Had Earlier Asked Imran Khan to Leave India

On October 14, the FRRO issued a notice directing Khan to leave India by October 28, citing alleged violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The notice invoked provisions concerning the regulation and removal of foreign nationals from India. The fresh show-cause notice concerns the possible cancellation of his OCI registration. It asks Khan to explain why his status should not be revoked. The proposed cancellation is not a final decision, and the actor has an opportunity to respond to the notice. Imran Khan Detained in Mumbai During CJP Solidarity Protest at August Kranti Maidan.

Imran Khan Moves Bombay High Court

On October 17, Khan approached the Bombay High Court challenging the direction to leave India. His petition seeks the quashing of the notice and an interim stay on its implementation, including protection against coercive action while the matter is pending.

According to reports, Khan has argued that the order is arbitrary and lacks adequate justification. His legal challenge also raises questions about whether the authorities followed due process before issuing the directive. The matter was expected to be mentioned before the court for an urgent hearing on Monday, October 19.

What Is Imran Khan’s OCI Status?

Imran Khan, who made his Bollywood debut with Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na in 2008, is a US citizen and an OCI cardholder. He has lived in India since childhood. OCI registration allows eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin certain long-term immigration and residency privileges, but it does not confer Indian citizenship or the full political rights available to Indian citizens.

Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, provides for cancellation of OCI registration on specified grounds and includes procedural safeguards. The legal proceedings will determine how those provisions and the separate immigration order apply to Khan’s case. The FRRO’s show-cause notice gives the actor an opportunity to explain his position before a decision is taken on the proposed cancellation of his OCI registration.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2026 07:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).