Imran Khan seeks evidence in OCI card case as Bombay HC puts 'Leave India' notice on hold

Actor Imran Khan has sought the police report and other evidence cited by immigration authorities in a notice that could lead to the cancellation of his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The request comes days after the Bombay High Court temporarily stayed a separate order directing the US citizen to leave India by October 28.

In a written response dated October 22, Khan questioned the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) over its October 17 show-cause notice, which asked him to explain why his OCI registration should not be cancelled.

He said the notice referred to a Mumbai Police report and supporting documents but that neither had been shared with him. Without access to the evidence, Khan argued, he could not properly respond to the allegations or defend his right to continue living in India.

Describing the reasons given by the authorities as "nebulous and contradictory," the actor said the documents were necessary for a fair hearing under the Citizenship Act.

Khan also objected to a statement attributed to him in the notice, calling it "incomplete." According to him, Mumbai Police did not record his version of events before registering a First Information Report (FIR).

He maintained that sharing the documents would not harm the authorities, whereas withholding them could affect his ability to respond and potentially cost him his OCI status.

What happened during October 10 protest?

The dispute stems from Khan's brief detention by Mumbai Police near August Kranti Maidan on October 10, where demonstrators had gathered over allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls.

The protesters were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Following the incident, the FRRO issued a notice on October 14, directing Khan to leave India by October 28, citing alleged violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Khan has denied taking part in the demonstration or having any connection with its organisers.

He said no protest was under way when he reached the location. He said he had not crossed police barricades and was speaking to journalists while returning to his vehicle when police detained him.

He also argued that the departure notice did not specify the immigration rule he had allegedly violated.

Bombay HC stays leave India notice

On October 27, the Bombay High Court granted Khan temporary relief after the Centre sought more time to respond to his petition challenging the departure order.

A bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna deferred the hearing to November 2.

Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh assured the court that no coercive action would be taken against the actor before the next hearing. Following this, the court directed that the notice remain on hold.

As a result, Khan is not required to leave India by the October 28 deadline while the interim protection remains in force. The order, however, does not settle the separate proceedings concerning his OCI registration.

Why OCI cancellation matters to Khan

Khan, 43, is an American citizen who has lived in India for about 42 years after moving to the country as a child.

He has told the authorities that his family, education, personal relationships and professional career are based in India and has expressed willingness to cooperate with the proceedings.

An OCI card allows eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin to live and work in India without a regular visa, subject to legal restrictions. It does not confer Indian citizenship.

While the government can initiate proceedings to cancel OCI registration under the Citizenship Act, Khan has argued that he must be given the evidence against him and a reasonable opportunity to respond before any final decision is taken.

The show-cause notice gave him 15 days to submit his explanation. His request for supporting documents relates to that process, while his challenge to the separate departure notice is scheduled to come up before the Bombay High Court on November 2.

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