The Bombay High Court on October 27, directed that the Foreigners Regional Registration Office’s (FRRO) notice requiring actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28 remain in abeyance until November 2.
Background
In Imran Khan Pal v. Union of India & Ors., Khan challenged the October 14 notice and sought protection against removal from India. The notice followed an incident connected with protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Khan has questioned the procedure adopted by the authorities.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna heard the matter. Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh sought an adjournment until November 2, stating that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta could not join the hearing.
Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond, appearing for Khan, pointed out that the notice required his client to leave India the following day.
The Centre assured the Court that no coercive action would be taken against Khan during the adjournment. The bench recorded its direction:
“ASG seeks time. Matter stands over to November 2 at 3 pm. The order under challenge shall be kept in abeyance till the next date.”
Accordingly, the Court kept the challenged notice in abeyance until November 2, when the matter is scheduled for further hearing.
