The Bombay High Court will hear actor Imran Khan's petition challenging a police notice asking him to leave the country by October 28 over his alleged involvement in a political protest. The 43-year-old US citizen has argued before the court that this notice is "illegal, arbitrary, perverse and drastic".
Court Schedules Urgent Hearing
Senior counsel Venkatesh Dhond, appearing for the petitioner, informed the court on Monday about Khan's plea before a bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna and sought an early hearing as the actor has to leave India by October 28.
"There are no criminal cases pending against the actor," Dhond added while replying to Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, who appeared for the Union government and sought more time to respond to the petition as he received it on Monday morning. The court asked Khan to amend his petition by adding the Maharashtra government as a respondent and heard his arguments on the following issues:
- Whether there are any criminal cases pending against the actor?
- Why was the actor detained on October 10?
- Why was he stopped from proceeding to the protest venue on October 10?
Dhond replied in the negative to the first question and argued that Khan had been residing in India since he was two years old and was detained before he could reach the protest venue. He further said that the petitioner has been a vocal supporter of democratic values and fundamental rights in the country.
Why Did Mumbai Police Issue the Notice?
Khan was briefly detained on October 10 during a protest at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan, which was held in solidarity with similar protests in Delhi by the Cockroach Janta Party. The protests demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who conducted the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
In his petition, Khan stated that he had no connection with the organizers of the rally and had not participated in it. In addition, he alleged that the police notice was issued against him because he is a public figure.
The actor has prayed to the court to cancel the notice issued by the Mumbai police and restrain them from taking any further action.
FRRO Notice Raises Questions Over OCI Status
Zulfiquar Memon, counsel for the petitioner, informed the court that Khan has also received a show-cause notice from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) questioning his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card status.
As per police, the notice was issued to Khan under Sections 7(2)(C) and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, which allows the government to restrict the stay of a foreigner in India and deport them if they do not comply with the conditions.
October 28 Deadline Approaches
The petitioner requested the court to quash the notice and stay its operation until the hearing. He also asked the court to prevent authorities from taking any coercive action against him. The hearing is scheduled to take place on October 26.