Bollywood Actor Imran Khan Gets Temporary Relief from Indian Court
Court puts deportation order on hold until November 2 after actor challenges government directive
MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Imran Khan has received temporary relief from the Bombay High Court, which has allowed him to remain in India until November 2 while his challenge to a government order directing him to leave the country is considered.
The Indian government had directed the 43-year-old actor, a US citizen, to leave India by October 28 over allegations of his involvement in a protest in Mumbai. Imran challenged the directive before the Bombay High Court, arguing that the decision was unfair and unlawful.
His lawyer maintained that there was no evidence to establish that the actor had participated in the protest or mobilised people to join it. The court postponed the hearing until November 2 due to technical issues and ordered that the government directive remain on hold until then, providing temporary relief to the actor.
Imran’s partner, Lekha Washington, had earlier explained that they went towards the protest site along with his mother and a cousin to inquire about a friend who had been detained by police. According to her, they were soon surrounded by media personnel.
Responding to reporters’ questions, Imran said that they had no demands and were not associated with any group participating in the demonstration.
The protest called for the resignation of India’s chief election commissioner over allegations concerning changes to voter lists. The actor’s legal challenge remains pending, with the next hearing scheduled for November 2.
