Mumbai, October 27: Actor Imran Khan has been given a reprieve. The Bombay High Court has paused the order directing him to leave India, a day before it was to take effect, so he does not have to leave the country until at least Monday.

What the notice says

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Mumbai issued a “Leave India Notice” dated October 14, directing Khan to leave the country on or before October 28. Khan is an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. The notice alleges that he violated the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, by taking part in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar near Mumbai’s August Kranti Marg on October 10.

Reports say Mumbai Police forwarded a complaint to the FRRO, which then issued the notice. Khan has also received a separate show-cause notice asking why his OCI card should not be cancelled.

The challenge

Khan filed a writ petition last week asking the High Court to quash the notice. His petition calls it “illegal, arbitrary, perverse and drastic” and argues that the authorities did not apply their minds. It also says the notice does not name the provisions of the Act he supposedly broke, and that it singles him out because he is a public figure. He sought an immediate stay and protection from coercive action, including deportation.

The court was to hear the plea on Monday, October 26, but postponed it to Tuesday after lawyers for both sides asked for more time. On Tuesday, it paused the order, according to reports, giving Khan relief until at least Monday. I have not seen the full text of the order or the date set for the next hearing.

What the government says

The notice describes his participation in the protest as a violation of immigration law. I found no detailed public statement from the FRRO, the Mumbai Police or the Ministry of Home Affairs setting out the grounds, and the notice itself has not been made public.

Why this case matters

The case raises questions that go beyond one actor. OCI cardholders have a long-term connection with India, but their rights differ from those of citizens, and the rules about their participation in political activity are contested. Khan’s lawyers argue that a peaceful protest is a lawful exercise of free expression, while the authorities treat it as a breach of the conditions of his stay. The court’s eventual ruling could shape how such cases are handled.

The notice also comes at a time when protests against the Chief Election Commissioner and the electoral roll revision have drawn detentions, FIRs and sharp political rhetoric across the country.

What next

The High Court will hear the case again, with the questions being whether the notice complies with the law, whether it was proportionate, and whether the OCI show-cause proceeding can go ahead. Until then, Khan can stay in India.

 

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