The court has put the FRRO notice on hold until November 2, giving the Bollywood actor temporary protection from coercive action while his legal challenge remains pending.
By NSB.News
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Imran Khan has received interim relief from the Bombay High Court in his legal challenge against a notice directing him to leave India by October 28. On Tuesday, October 27, the court kept the notice in abeyance until the next hearing, scheduled for November 2 at 3 pm.
The development came after the Centre sought additional time to respond to the actor’s petition. The government’s counsel assured the court that no coercive action would be taken against Khan in the meantime. The court subsequently deferred the matter and put the challenged notice on hold until the next hearing.
Why Was Imran Khan Asked to Leave India?
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued a notice on October 14 directing Khan to leave India by October 28. The action followed an incident involving the actor at a protest in Mumbai on October 10.
The demonstration was held in support of a campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The wider controversy relates to allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Khan is a US citizen and holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The authorities’ action reportedly concerned his alleged involvement in the demonstration and the rules applicable to foreign nationals in India.
What Has the Actor Argued in Court?
In his petition, Khan has challenged the FRRO notice, describing it as arbitrary and legally unjustified. He has questioned the grounds on which the order was issued and argued that he was not given a proper opportunity to explain his position before being directed to leave the country.
According to reports on the court proceedings, Khan has disputed the allegation that he actively participated in the protest. His petition also challenges the circumstances and legal basis of the action taken against him.
These are arguments made by the actor in his legal petition; the court has yet to deliver a final ruling on the merits of the dispute.
Centre Seeks More Time; Court Defers Hearing
During the hearing on October 27, the Centre’s counsel sought an adjournment to allow more time for the matter to be addressed. Khan’s lawyer pointed out that the deadline to leave India was October 28 and sought protection against any immediate action.
The court recorded the government’s assurance and directed that the challenged notice remain in abeyance until the next hearing.
The interim order means the notice will not be implemented during this period. However, it does not amount to a final decision on whether the original notice was lawful.
What Happens Next?
The Bombay High Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on November 2, 2026, at 3 pm. The court will continue considering Khan’s challenge to the notice.
A separate FRRO show-cause notice concerning the possible cancellation of his OCI status has also been reported. The legal proceedings remain pending, and further developments will depend on the submissions made before the court and its subsequent orders.
For now, the interim relief gives Imran Khan temporary protection from the challenged departure notice. The broader legal dispute remains unresolved.