MUMBAI: Imran Khan, nephew of actor Aamir Khan, has approached the Bombay High Court challenging a notice directing him to leave India. In his petition, he has described the notice as arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Mumbai has issued him a second notice, seeking an explanation as to why his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card should not be cancelled. Imran has been given 15 days to respond. An earlier notice had directed him to leave India before October 28.
Petition Questions Legal Basis for Action
The petition contends that no provision under the existing laws or rules expressly prohibits OCI cardholders from participating in peaceful demonstrations. According to Imran, the police did not disclose the reasons for issuing the notice or provide supporting documents. He has also alleged that he was not given an opportunity to present his side before the action was taken. The petition further challenges his detention on October 10, alleging that the action was unlawful.
Imran Disclosure of Grounds for Notice
The petition questions why the authorities allegedly failed to follow due process and the principles of natural justice before issuing the notice. Imran has also sought details of the legal grounds on which the action was initiated.
An early hearing may be sought before a bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna of the Bombay High Court.
Detained During Protest Seeking CEC’s Resignation
Imran Khan participated in a demonstration in Mumbai on October 10 demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police stopped him at a barricade as he approached the August Kranti Maidan area.
He was subsequently taken into custody. Imran has claimed that he later learnt through media reports that his name had been included in the FIR registered in connection with the incident.
