India’s ‘leave India’ notice to actor Imran Khan put on hold by court

The Bombay High Court has put on hold a notice directing actor Imran Khan to leave India over his participation in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Maktoob reported.

The court on Tuesday deferred the hearing until Monday after the Union government assured it that no coercive action would be taken against Khan in the meantime, according to Live Law.

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued the notice on October 15, directing Khan, a United States citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, to leave the country by October 28.

Khan challenged the notice before the High Court, arguing through his lawyer that the rules governing OCI cardholders do not prohibit them from participating in protests.

An OCI card allows eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin to live and work in India, subject to applicable laws and restrictions.

Khan was detained on October 10 during a demonstration at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, where protesters demanded Kumar’s resignation.

The detention followed a complaint filed on October 12 by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who questioned Khan’s participation in the demonstration and called for an inquiry into his citizenship status.

Addressing the protesters, Khan said he had attended the gathering as a Mumbai resident and was not affiliated with any organisation.

“I am here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city,” he said, questioning restrictions on freedom of movement and the suppression of public voices.