The Bombay High Court granted a temporary reprieve to actor Imran Khan after he filed an application on Oct 17 challenging a deportation notice issued by the FRRO in Mumbai on Oct 10. The notice, which demanded that Khan leave India by Oct 28, was issued following a complaint from BJP leader Kirit Somaiya alleging Khan’s participation in a protest supporting the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Khan, 43, maintains he did not attend the demonstration and claims the notice is illegal. His counsel, Venkatesh Dhond, argued that the FRRO’s order violated the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and that Khan’s OCI status should remain intact. The court was persuaded to suspend enforcement until the next hearing.
Under Section 7 of the Act, the central government can direct the entry, exit, or presence of foreigners, and the FRRO had already issued a show‑cause notice asking why Khan’s OCI card should be revoked. The government, through Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, assured the court that no coercive steps would be taken until the hearing scheduled for Nov 2.
While the interim relief delays a potential deportation, Khan’s partner Lekha Washington and cousin Zayne Marie Khan are still under scrutiny for their alleged participation in the protest. The case now hinges on the forthcoming hearing, where the High Court will decide whether to uphold the deportation order or grant a permanent stay.