In a case that could set an important precedent for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card-holders, the Bombay High Court on 19 October scheduled an urgent hearing for 26 October on actor Imran Khan’s petition challenging a ‘Leave India Notice’ (LIN) served by Mumbai’s Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The US-born Bollywood actor—resident in India since the age of two—was ordered to exit the country by 28 October for allegedly violating the Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025 by participating in a political protest on 10 October. Khan’s counsel argues the notice is “manifestly arbitrary” because authorities issued no prior show-cause notice and failed to provide a hearing, contravening principles of natural justice. The petition also seeks a stay on potential cancellation of Khan’s OCI registration under Section 7D(e) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Legal experts say the outcome could influence how India balances the quasi-citizenship privileges of 6 million global OCIs with restrictions on political activity. Although OCI holders enjoy visa-free entry and parity with Non-Resident Indians in property rights, they are barred from voting, running for office or engaging in “political missionary work.” The FRRO’s action—and the speed with which the court agreed to hear the challenge—highlights increased enforcement under the re-codified Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025. For multinational employers, the case is a reminder that employees on OCI or long-term visas must avoid even passive participation in politically sensitive events. Internal mobility policies should spell out India’s limitations on political expression for foreign nationals, and HR should monitor upcoming local elections or demonstrations that might inadvertently involve expatriate staff. If the LIN is upheld, stakeholders expect a surge in similar enforcement actions, prompting many long-settled foreign professionals to reassess their risk exposure. Conversely, a court rebuke of the FRRO could force a policy recalibration or clearer due-process guidelines for future notices.
Source: The Indian Express
