Next Hearing Scheduled for November 2

The Bombay High Court has postponed the hearing regarding actor Imran Khan’s plea against the Foreigners Regional Registration Office’s (FRRO) ‘Leave India’ notice. The court has set the next hearing for November 2, 2023, at 3 pm, following a request from the Centre for additional time to respond to the case. The actor, who is a citizen of the United States, had been served a notice mandating his departure from India by October 28, 2023, after he participated in a protest in Mumbai.

During the proceedings, the court was assured that no coercive actions would be taken against Khan until the next hearing. The notice will remain on hold until the court reviews the case again. This decision was made just a day before the deadline imposed by the FRRO for Khan to leave the country.

Imran Khan, who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has challenged the legality of the notice in the High Court. The case was heard by a division bench consisting of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was appointed to represent the Centre during the proceedings.

Details of the Legal Challenge

The legal dispute originated from an incident on October 10, 2023, when Mumbai Police detained Imran Khan at August Kranti Maidan. He was participating in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Alongside him, his partner Lekha Washington and cousin Zayn Marie Khan were also taken into custody.

Subsequently, on October 14, the FRRO issued a Leave India Notice (LIN) directing Khan to exit the country by October 28. The notice referenced Sections 7(2)(C) and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. In response, Khan filed a writ petition titled Imran Khan Pal v. Union of India & Ors., represented by lawyers Zulfiquar Memon, Parvez Memon, and Kunal Vajani.

In his petition, Khan described the notice as arbitrary and claimed it violated his fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. He also raised concerns about the procedural fairness of the notice, stating that he had not been afforded a prior hearing or the opportunity to respond through the required show-cause process.

Imran Khan’s Career Background

Imran Khan is a notable figure in Bollywood, recognised for his performances in several films. His career began with the successful movie Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, which was followed by hits such as Delhi Belly, Break Ke Baad, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, and Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, among others. His contributions to Indian cinema have made him a well-known name in the industry.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of Khan’s case remains uncertain. The court’s decision to pause the eviction order provides temporary relief for the actor, allowing him to remain in India until the next scheduled hearing. The implications of this case may extend beyond Khan, potentially affecting the legal framework surrounding the rights of foreign nationals in India.

The upcoming hearing will be crucial in determining the future of Imran Khan’s residency status in India, as both the actor and the Centre prepare to present their arguments before the court. The situation continues to develop as the legal community and the public await further updates.

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