Bollywood actor Imran Khan has sought evidence and supporting documents from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) after receiving a show-cause notice proposing the cancellation of his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The actor has challenged the notice, arguing that the authorities have not shared the material on which they are relying to initiate action against him.
The development comes after Mumbai Police detained Khan during a protest at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai on October 10. The demonstration was held in support of the CJP protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.
In a representation dated October 22, Khan told the FRRO that the show-cause notice issued on October 17 referred to documents and a report submitted by Mumbai Police. However, he alleged that these documents had not been provided to him, leaving him without an adequate opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Khan also claimed that a statement attributed to him in the notice was incomplete and alleged that Mumbai Police had not attempted to record his statement in connection with the registration of the FIR.
Imran Khan calls notice 'nebulous and contradictory'
In his representation, Khan described the reasons cited in the notice as "nebulous and contradictory" and requested access to all the material relied upon by the authorities.
He argued that disclosure of the documents was necessary to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability in the decision-making process. According to the actor, withholding the material could prevent him from adequately responding to the notice and put his OCI status at risk.
Khan also 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 said he remained committed to cooperating with the ongoing proceedings and requested that his representation be considered urgently.
The show-cause notice sought an explanation from Khan on why his OCI status should not be cancelled. The proposed cancellation is not a final decision, and the actor has sought an opportunity to respond to the material cited against him.
Bombay High Court puts 'leave India' notice on hold
The Bombay High Court has granted interim relief to Khan by putting the 'leave India' notice on hold until November 2. The notice, issued by the FRRO, had directed him to leave India by October 28.
During the court proceedings, the FRRO sought additional time to respond to the matter and assured the court that Khan would not be asked to leave India by the original deadline.
Khan, a US citizen who holds an OCI card, challenged the notice after it was issued following his presence at the October 10 protest in Mumbai. The notice cited provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, which empowers authorities to regulate the stay and movement of foreign nationals in India.
Actor denies violating rules during Mumbai protest
Khan has denied violating any rules during the incident. He maintained that no protest was underway when he reached the location and that he did not cross police barricades to enter the protest site.
According to his account, media personnel surrounded him while he was returning to his vehicle, following which he was apprehended by the police.
The actor has also questioned the basis of the notice, arguing that it did not clearly specify which rule he had allegedly violated. He has maintained that the authorities should disclose the evidence and provide him with a fair opportunity to present his case before taking any action that could affect his OCI status.
The matter remains under consideration, with the Bombay High Court's interim order providing temporary relief from the direction to leave India while the legal proceedings continue.
