Imran Khan Challenges OCI Cancellation Notice, Seeks Evidence from FRRO

Imran Khan Seeks Documents Cited in FRRO Notice

Actor Imran Khan, who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has asked the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to share the evidence supporting the proposed cancellation of his card.

In a representation dated October 22, Khan stated that a show-cause notice issued to him on October 17 referred to documents and a report submitted by Mumbai Police. However, he alleged that these materials had not been shared with him.

A show-cause notice asks a person to explain why a proposed action should not be taken against them.

Khan argued that access to the documents was necessary for him to prepare an adequate response. He also described a statement attributed to him in the notice as “incomplete” and alleged that Mumbai Police had not attempted to record his statement in connection with the registration of the FIR.

Actor Questions Fairness of Proceedings

In his representation, Khan maintained that he had not received a reasonable opportunity to explain his position before action was initiated against him.

He described the reasons mentioned in the notice as “nebulous and contradictory” and argued that disclosing the relevant material would promote transparency, fairness and accountability in the decision-making process.

Khan also stated that withholding the documents could affect his ability to respond adequately to the show-cause notice and potentially result in the cancellation of his OCI card.

He urged the authorities to consider that he had lived in India for 42 years and had built his life and family in the country. He also expressed his willingness to cooperate with the ongoing proceedings and requested an urgent response to his representation.

Bombay High Court Puts Leave India Notice on Hold

The Bombay High Court has put the FRRO's “Leave India Notice” on hold until November 2.

According to the supplied report, the FRRO sought additional time to respond to the matter and assured the court that Khan, a US citizen, would not be required to leave India by the original October 28 deadline.

The notice reportedly cited provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, which empowers authorities to regulate the stay and movement of foreign nationals in India.

What Led to the Notice?

The notice was issued after Khan was present at a youth-led protest near Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan on October 10. The protesters were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.

Khan has denied violating any rules. He stated that no protest was underway when he arrived at the location and that he did not cross police barricades to enter the protest site.

He further claimed that media personnel surrounded him while he was returning to his vehicle, following which he was apprehended.

The actor also argued that the notice did not clearly specify which rule he had allegedly violated.

Khan Questions Proposed Cancellation of OCI Status

Khan has maintained that OCI cardholders belong to a separate legal category and argued that the action against him was excessive, given that he has lived in India for more than four decades.

The dispute centres on the material relied upon by the authorities, the grounds for issuing the notice and whether Khan was given an adequate opportunity to respond.

The Bombay High Court's interim order has put the immediate requirement to leave India on hold until November 2. The final outcome of the proceedings and the proposed action concerning his OCI card remain to be determined.