Mumbai: Actor Imran Khan has received temporary relief in his legal battle against the notice directing him to leave India, after the Center assured the Bombay High Court that no coercive action would be taken against him until November 2.
The development provides the actor with temporary protection as the court considers his challenge to the directive issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Centre's Assurance Offers Temporary Relief
The Centre's assurance is significant for Khan, who approached the Bombay High Court after receiving a notice asking him to leave the country by October 28. The actor has challenged the order, questioning the grounds on which the authorities issued the directive.
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The undertaking on coercive action gives the court additional time to consider the matter without immediate enforcement of the disputed directive. The assurance, however, does not amount to a final decision on the merits of Khan's petition.
Dispute Follows Mumbai Protest
The case stems from an incident on October 10, when Khan was briefly detained near August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai amid a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
In his plea, the actor said he had no links to the protest organizers and had gone to the spot merely out of curiosity. He also stated that he was detained along with his family members.
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The FRRO subsequently issued a notice directing him to leave India, prompting Khan to seek judicial intervention.
Actor Also Faces OCI Status Proceedings
The controversy has also raised questions about Khan's Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status. The FRRO also sent him a separate notice seeking an explanation on why his registration should not be cancelled.
November 2 is the next important date in the case. The Bombay High Court's hearing on the actor's plea is expected to shape the course of further proceedings.
The Centre's assurance offers temporary protection, but the final outcome will depend on further proceedings and the court's directions.