Mumbai Police ask Imran Khan to leave India by October 28 after CEC protest

Mumbai: Mumbai Police have served Bollywood actor Imran Khan, an American citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, a notice directing him to leave India by October 28 for allegedly violating provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, officials said on Thursday.

The action follows Khan’s participation in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Khan, 43, was briefly detained during the demonstration and released later that evening.

Police said the actor had received a copy of the formal notice and that further administrative procedures were underway. He was unavailable for comment on the matter.

Why has Imran Khan been asked to leave India?

The reported action follows a complaint by former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who sought action against Khan for participating in the political demonstration despite being a US citizen.

“Under relevant provisions of the Foreigners/Immigration Act, foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in political protests or political activities on Indian soil,” a police official said.

Somaiya had approached Mumbai Police and the Union government’s immigration authorities after the October 10 protest. He also contacted the Airport Authority and urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene.

The BJP leader welcomed the notice on Thursday and demanded similar action against others he alleged were involved in political activities despite holding foreign citizenship. His allegations about Khan’s conduct remain distinct from any final legal determination.

What did Imran Khan say about the protest?

A video recorded during the incident showed Khan responding to a reporter as police escorted him towards a vehicle.

“I have no demands. I am not part of any organisation,” he said, explaining his position on participating in the demonstration.

The protest was organised in support of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over allegations surrounding the SIR exercise.

Khan was among hundreds of protesters detained by Mumbai Police during the demonstration. His partner, actor Lekha Washington, had alleged that police personnel grabbed her and actor Zayn Marie Khan during the incident, leaving them bruised.

Also read | Over 30 journalists detained during Delhi protests; press freedom groups condemn police action

What are the rules for OCI cardholders?

OCI status does not confer Indian citizenship. It grants eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin certain privileges, subject to conditions prescribed under Indian law.

OCI cardholders are subject to restrictions on specific activities, including certain forms of political participation. The applicable provisions and the circumstances of an individual case determine whether a violation has occurred.

The police notice against Khan cites alleged violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act. Authorities have directed him to leave India by October 28, while further administrative procedures are underway.

The notice follows Somaiya’s complaint and brings renewed attention to the rules governing foreign nationals’ participation in political activities in India.

Imran Khan, 43, is known for his roles in Bollywood films including I Hate Luv Storys (2010) and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011). He is the nephew of actor Aamir Khan and recently made a cameo appearance in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, a film backed by Aamir Khan.

The actor’s participation in the Mumbai protest has now led to immigration-related action, with the October 28 deadline marking the latest development in the case.