Imran Khan Receives Temporary Relief as Bombay High Court Stays 'Leave India' Notice

Actor Imran Khan has secured temporary legal relief as the Bombay High Court has kept a 'Leave India' notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in abeyance until a scheduled hearing on November 2.

According to reports from established entertainment and legal platforms, the division bench consisting of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna heard the petition on Tuesday. The Centre requested additional time to respond, leading to the adjournment. During the proceedings, the Centre's counsel assured the court that no immediate coercive action would be taken against the actor before the next hearing.

Background of the Legal Challenge

The legal proceedings stem from an administrative directive issued on October 14, which directed Khan—a US citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card—to leave the country by October 28. The notice followed an incident on October 10 when Mumbai Police detained Khan near August Kranti Maidan during a public protest regarding electoral roll revisions. His partner, Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan were also reportedly detained during the event.

In his writ petition titled *Imran Khan Pal v. Union of India & Ors.*, filed through his legal counsel, Khan challenged the FRRO directive as arbitrary, illegal, and issued without providing specific reasons, supporting materials, or a prior show-cause notice. The petition further contended that the action violated principles of natural justice and claimed the notice resulted from a politically motivated complaint.

Current Status and Next Steps

• Court Date: The Bombay High Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 2 at 3 PM.
• Interim Protection: The challenged FRRO order remains in abeyance, and the Centre has provided an oral assurance that no immediate action will be taken against the actor in the interim.
• Actor's Stance: Khan has denied active participation in the protest, stating that no demonstration was underway when he arrived at the location, and has questioned the proportionality of the immigration directive.

Observers and interested parties can verify official developments through the official Bombay High Court cause lists or reports published by established legal journalism portals like Bar and Bench.