Actor Imran Khan has received a show-cause notice from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) seeking an explanation on why his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration should not be cancelled. The notice follows his participation in a Mumbai protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 10, 2026.
The development comes days after the FRRO directed Khan to leave India by October 28. The actor has challenged the departure order before the Bombay High Court, seeking relief against its implementation.
Why Did Imran Khan Receive the FRRO Notice?
The issue relates to a demonstration held at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10, where protesters called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest was linked to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) campaign.
Khan was among those detained by Mumbai Police during the gathering. Other participants included Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson Tushar Gandhi and Khan’s partner, Lekha Washington. Police reportedly detained the demonstrators because the protest had not received prior permission. Khan was later released.
Following the incident, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya sought action against the actor, questioning his participation in a political demonstration given that he is a US citizen and holds OCI status.
FRRO Had Earlier Directed Khan to Leave India
On October 14, the FRRO issued a notice directing Khan to leave the country by October 28. The order cited alleged violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and referred to provisions governing the regulation and removal of foreign nationals from India.
The latest show-cause notice addresses a separate matter: the possible cancellation of Khan’s OCI registration. Through the notice, the authorities have asked him to explain why his OCI status should not be revoked.
The proposed cancellation is not a final decision. Khan has an opportunity to submit his explanation before the authorities decide whether to proceed with the revocation of his registration.
Imran Khan Challenges the Order in Bombay High Court
On October 17, Khan approached the Bombay High Court to challenge the direction requiring him to leave India. Through his petition, he has sought to have the notice quashed and requested an interim stay on its implementation. He has also sought protection from coercive action while the case remains pending.
According to reports, Khan has argued that the order is arbitrary and lacks sufficient justification. His challenge also raises questions about whether the authorities followed the required legal procedures before issuing the directive.
The matter was expected to be mentioned before the court for an urgent hearing on Monday, October 19.
What Is Imran Khan’s OCI Status?
Khan, who made his Bollywood debut with Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na in 2008, is a US citizen and an OCI cardholder. He has lived in India since childhood.
OCI registration provides eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin with certain long-term immigration and residency privileges. However, it does not grant Indian citizenship or the full political rights available to Indian citizens.
Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, sets out specific grounds on which OCI registration may be cancelled, along with procedural safeguards. The ongoing legal proceedings will address how these provisions and the separate immigration order apply to Khan’s case.
For now, the FRRO’s show-cause notice gives the actor an opportunity to present his explanation before a decision is made on the proposed cancellation of his OCI registration.