After the demonstration in support of CJP, FRRO had given instructions to leave the country by 28 October; The actor called the notice arbitrary and against the law
Mumbai Bollywood actor Imran Khan has challenged the instructions to leave India in the Bombay High Court. The actor was issued a notice to leave India by October 28 by the Mumbai-based Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Imran says that the notice did not give clear reasons for the alleged violation and he was not even given an opportunity to present his side.
This case is related to the protest that took place in Mumbai on October 10 demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Imran Khan had participated in this demonstration. After this, a complaint was made against him for violation of immigration rules.
Called the notice arbitrary and illegal
Imran Khan has said in his petition that instructions were issued to him to leave India without adequate investigation, show cause notice or opportunity of hearing. According to him, the notice did not make it clear which legal provision he had violated.
The actor has asked the court to cancel the notice and stay it. He has also requested that deportation or other coercive action not be taken against him until the hearing of the case is completed.
Is an American citizen, also holds OCI card
Imran Khan is a US citizen and holds Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status. The petition states that he has been living in India since childhood and his family, marital life and professional activities have deep ties with India.
The actor argues that it is not appropriate to direct him to leave the country without considering his OCI status and the legal provisions related to it. He said that they should not be forced to leave India merely for participating in a peaceful protest or being present near the incident site.
Took part in the demonstration demanding resignation of CEC
On October 10, there was a demonstration around August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protesters were raising issues related to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the electoral process.
During the demonstration, the police detained many people, including Imran Khan. Later, following the complaint of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya and police action, FRRO issued a notice to the actor to leave India.
Answer sought even on cancellation of OCI status
As part of further action in the case, FRRO has also issued a show cause notice to Imran Khan. It asked why his OCI registration should not be cancelled. He has been given 15 days to reply.
The actor's lawyers have also raised questions on this move. He says that the legal basis of the action related to Leave India Notice and OCI status should be clear and the person concerned should be given a fair opportunity to present his side.
Now keeping an eye on the High Court hearing
An immediate hearing on Imran Khan's petition has been requested in the Bombay High Court. The question that will arise in the court is whether the FRRO followed the relevant law and provisions related to OCI status while issuing the notice or not.
At present, the court's final decision on the allegations made in the actor's petition is yet to come. The next direction of the case will be clear from the High Court hearing and the response of the government side.