Imran Khan gets Bombay HC relief as eviction order is paused till Monday

The Bombay High Court on Monday deferred the hearing on actor Imran Khan’s writ petition challenging the Foreigners Regional Registration Office’s (FRRO) ‘Leave India’ notice to November 2 at 3:00 PM, after the Centre requested additional time to file its response.

The division bench comprised Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna. Crucially, the court directed that the FRRO order be kept in abeyance in the interim, ensuring that no coercive action or deportation steps will be initiated against the actor before the next hearing. The ruling provides immediate relief to Khan, whose exit deadline was originally set for Tuesday, October 28.

Oral assurance in court: 'Nothing will happen'

During the proceedings, senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, representing Imran Khan, highlighted the urgency of the petition, noting, "But I have to leave tomorrow."

Responding to the court on behalf of the government, the law officer assured the bench that the matter could be safely listed for the following Monday, stating, "Nothing will happen. That is an oral assurance." Taking note of the Centre's commitment, the bench ordered the notice to remain suspended until the matter is heard next week.

Origin of the dispute: Detained during Mumbai protest

The legal battle stems from an incident on October 10, when Mumbai Police detained Imran Khan near August Kranti Maidan during a public protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Khan’s partner, Lekha Washington, and cousin, Zayn Marie Khan, were also detained during the demonstration.

Four days later, on October 14, the FRRO issued a Leave India Notice (LIN) directing the actor—who holds US citizenship alongside an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card—to leave the country by October 28 under Sections 7(2)(C) and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Imran Khan challenges notice as arbitrary violation of rights

In response to the FRRO directive, Khan filed a writ petition titled Imran Khan Pal v. Union of India & Ors, through his legal team comprising Zulfiquar Memon, Parvez Memon, and Kunal Vajani.

The petition argues that the exit notice is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and a direct violation of his fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. Furthermore, Khan’s counsel questioned the procedure followed by the authorities, pointing out that the actor was denied a prior hearing or a fair opportunity to respond via a standard show-cause notice before the order was issued.

Known for his breakout debut in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na and hit films such as Delhi Belly, Break Ke Baad, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, the actor will now await the High Court's detailed review of the matter on November 2.