Bombay HC Puts Imran Khan’s ‘Leave India’ Notice on Hold Until November 2

Actor Imran Khan, who has challenged an FRRO notice directing him to leave India. (File image: Instagram)

Centre assures court of no coercive action against the actor before the next hearing; FRRO notice had directed him to leave by October 28

Key Highlights

• Actor Imran Khan has received temporary relief from the Bombay High Court over an FRRO notice directing him to leave India.
• The matter will be heard next on November 2.
• Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh assured the court that no action would be taken against Khan until then.
• The notice followed his alleged participation in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
• The court has not yet ruled on the merits of Khan’s challenge.

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday, October 27, granted temporary relief to actor Imran Khan, a United States citizen, in his challenge to a notice directing him to leave India by October 28. The notice will remain on hold until the next hearing on November 2, following the Centre’s assurance that no coercive action would be taken against him during the intervening period. The Tribune

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna was hearing Khan’s petition challenging the “Leave India Notice” issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Mumbai.

Counsel raises approaching deadline

During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh sought an adjournment to November 2 to enable Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to appear.

Senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, representing Khan, drew the bench’s attention to the October 28 departure deadline. He sought protection for the actor until the court could hear the matter.

Singh then gave an oral assurance that action would not be taken against Khan during the adjournment. The bench posted the petition for further hearing on November 2.

Notice followed protest-related controversy

The FRRO notice followed Khan’s alleged participation in a Mumbai protest held in solidarity with an agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Khan has challenged the authorities’ action. His lawyers had earlier described the direction to leave India as a drastic measure and questioned its legal basis.

Temporary protection pending hearing

Tuesday’s development gives Khan protection from enforcement of the departure notice until the next hearing. It does not amount to the notice being permanently cancelled or a final decision on the legality of the FRRO’s action.

The High Court will take up the challenge again on Monday, November 2.