Imran Khan Gets Interim Relief As Bombay High Court Pauses ‘Leave India’ Notice Till November 2

Actor Imran Khan had interim relief from the Bombay High Court who was issuing a notice to him for leaving India by October 28 via the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The court has set a next hearing on the matter for Nov. 2 at 3 p.m.

The Centre asked for more time to reply to Khan's petition against the notice. The government during the hearing orally assured the actor that no coercive action would be taken against the actor until the next hearing.

Imran Khan challenged the FRRO notice

Khan, who has reportedly been granted US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, had appeared before the Bombay High Court interposing an objection to the legality of the directive. On 14th October FRRO sent him the ‘Leave India Notice' for departure from the country on 28th October.

The notice reportedly cited Sections 7(2)(C) and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Khan had stated in his petition that the order was arbitrary and a violation of his fundamental rights guaranteed by Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

He also raised doubts about the process being adopted by the authorities, saying that he had not been afforded a hearing beforehand, or a chance to respond via the ‘show cause' procedure.

So why did Imran Khan have to issue the Notice?

The court case is linked to an incident on October 10th when Khan was arrested by Mumbai Police close to August Kranti Maidan. He was in attendance at a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Lekha Washington, Khan's girlfriend, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan were also arrested in the case.

The notice instructing the actor to leave India was issued by FRRO four days later. Khan then appealed the High Court against the order.

Centre Demands FurtherTime to Respond.

A division bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna heard the matter. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta was anticipated to appear for the Centre and senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond was to appear for Khan.

At this hearing, the Centre's law officer requested more time and suggested the issue be addressed on Monday. Khan's counsel stressed the urgency, noting that people were going to have to leave India by October 28.

The court then placed the notice on hold for the next court date. The Interim Protection will prevent any coercive action pursuant to the disputed notice from happening before November 2.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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