Bombay High Court Pauses Deportation Order Against Actor Imran Khan

The Bombay High Court paused expulsion proceedings against actor Imran Khan on Tuesday after Indian government lawyers agreed not to enforce a departure deadline pending a November 2 hearing.

The 43-year-old American citizen received an order from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office requiring him to exit India by October 28 following his attendance at an October 10 demonstration in Mumbai.

Immigration authorities cited new statutory powers to expel foreign nationals who join political demonstrations, while Khan's legal team argued the directive violates constitutional protections guaranteed to long-term residents.

"I don't have demands. I am here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city," said Imran Khan, the actor.

Police briefly held Khan, his partner Lekha Washington, and his cousin Zayne Marie Khan during the rally at August Kranti Maidan before releasing them at a nearby station.

"Apparently, I'm going for a drive," said Khan in a social media message posted from inside a police transport vehicle.

The expulsion directive originated from a grievance lodged by Kirit Somaiya, a leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party, who claimed a foreign national could not participate in local civil protests.

Officials processed the complaint under Section 7 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which allows the central government to restrict or prohibit foreign citizens from remaining within national borders.

In his court petition, Khan stated that he has resided in India since age two, maintains Overseas Citizen of India status, works as an actor, and has no criminal record.

Lawyers representing the actor noted that officials issued the departure order without granting a formal hearing, delivering a show-cause notice, or conducting a preliminary inquiry.

Court proceedings slowed on Tuesday when an intervening lawyer contended that a civil division bench lacked assignment to hear a matter involving criminal jurisdiction and deportation orders.

Senior counsel V R Dhond defended the bench's authority, maintaining that Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi had full roster power to preside over the petition.

Chief Justice Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna adjourned the proceeding to November 2 to allow Solicitor General Tushar Mehta time to present the government's response.