The Bombay High Court has put on hold a government order requiring Bollywood actor Imran Khan to leave India over alleged violations of immigration and visa rules, allowing him to remain in the country until at least November 2, local media reported on Tuesday.
Khan, 43, is a US citizen who was reportedly directed to leave India by October 28 after being accused of participating in protests in Mumbai against India’s chief election commissioner.
Under Indian law, foreign nationals participating in political protests may face action for allegedly violating immigration and visa regulations.
Actor Challenges Government Order
Khan challenged the order before the Bombay High Court, arguing that it was unconstitutional and arbitrary, according to local media reports.
His lawyer maintained in the appeal that there was no evidence to establish that the actor had participated in the protest or mobilised a crowd, legal news website Live Law reported.
The court postponed the hearing until November 2 due to technical reasons. According to legal website Bar and Bench, the order challenged by Khan will remain suspended until the next hearing.
The government also assured the court that it would not take coercive steps against the actor before the matter is heard again.
Mumbai Police had not issued an official statement on the case at the time of the report. The city’s police chief did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
Imran Khan Explains His Presence at Protest Site
Khan, the nephew of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, comes from a prominent film family. He appeared in several successful Bollywood films between 2008 and 2015 before stepping away from acting.
His partner, Lekha Washington, addressed the controversy in an Instagram post published on October 12.
According to Washington, she, Khan, his mother and a cousin had walked towards the protest site to inquire about a friend who had allegedly been detained by police. She said they were immediately surrounded by media representatives.
Imran Khan Challenges ‘Unconstitutional’ Exit Notice in Bombay High Court
Washington stated that Khan responded to journalists by clarifying that they had no demands and were not affiliated with any organisation.
Both Khan and Washington also shared photographs taken inside what appeared to be a police van on the day of the protests.
Protests Target India’s Chief Election Commissioner
The demonstration in Mumbai was among several protests held across India demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Opposition parties and activists have raised allegations concerning a revision of voter lists, claiming the process benefits Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The controversy has intensified scrutiny of India’s electoral processes, with critics questioning the revision exercise and its potential political implications.
However, Khan’s case centres on the government’s order concerning his alleged participation in the protest and the associated immigration and visa rules.
The Bombay High Court is scheduled to take up the matter again on November 2, when further proceedings could determine the next steps in the case.
