The Bombay High Court on Tuesday, October 27, temporarily suspended the effect of a ‘Leave India Notice’ issued to actor Imran Khan by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), granting him relief a day before the deadline to leave the country. The court has scheduled the next hearing on his petition for November 2.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait M Sethna directed that the challenged order remain in abeyance until the next hearing. Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, appearing for the Centre, sought more time and assured the court that no action would be taken against the actor until then.
The proceedings concern Khan’s challenge to the FRRO notice, issued on October 14 over an alleged violation of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The notice followed a police report involving an FIR described as unproven in the case proceedings.
The matter arose after BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint alleging that Khan had violated the law. The actor had participated in a protest in Mumbai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar before the notice was issued.
On October 17, the FRRO also issued Khan a show-cause notice indicating that his registration as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder could be cancelled. Khan approached the Bombay High Court the same day, challenging the authorities’ actions as unconstitutional, arbitrary and disproportionate.
In his petition, the 44-year-old actor argued that the FRRO had acted at the behest of a political functionary and was attempting to force him to leave India without considering less restrictive measures. He also contended that no law prohibited a person merely from attending or participating in a protest.
During the latest proceedings, senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, representing Khan, opposed an intervention application questioning whether the writ petition had been filed through the appropriate court process. The court indicated that the matter involved civil consequences and sought clarification on the objection.
The temporary suspension means the notice will remain on hold while the court considers Khan’s challenge. The next hearing is scheduled for November 2.
Source: The Indian Express
