Mumbai: Actor Imran Khan, who holds US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has reportedly been asked to leave India by October 28 following his participation in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai.

According to reports citing sources, Mumbai Police has asked the actor to leave the country after he was detained during a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan on October 10. The protest was organised in support of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and demanded Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Khan was among hundreds of protesters detained by Mumbai Police during the demonstration. He was released later that evening.

Why has Imran Khan been asked to leave India?

The reported action follows a complaint by BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya, who questioned Khan’s participation in the political demonstration in view of his US citizenship and OCI status.

Somaiya alleged that the actor’s participation violated the rules applicable to OCI cardholders and sought action from the authorities.

Following his complaint, Gamdevi Police forwarded the representation to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for examination. Somaiya also wrote to the Union Home Ministry and immigration authorities on October 13, seeking a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Khan.

An LOC can alert authorities to a person’s movement through immigration checkpoints. However, the request for an LOC and the reported direction to leave India are separate matters.

The reported October 28 deadline marks a development in the immigration-related proceedings against the actor. The precise legal basis for the direction and any further action by the authorities would need to be established through official confirmation.
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What did Imran Khan say about the protest?

Khan maintained that he attended the October 10 demonstration in his individual capacity and was not representing any political organisation.

The protest focused on demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations surrounding the SIR exercise, which has become a major point of confrontation between the Opposition and the BJP.

Khan’s detention also drew attention after his partner, actor Lekha Washington, alleged that police personnel had grabbed her and actor Zayn Marie Khan during the incident, leaving them bruised.
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What are the rules for OCI cardholders?

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

OCI cardholders are subject to restrictions on specific activities, including certain forms of political participation. Whether an individual’s conduct breaches the applicable rules depends on the relevant legal provisions and the circumstances of the case.

Somaiya has argued that Khan’s participation in the protest warrants immigration action. The complaint, however, represents the BJP leader’s allegations and should be distinguished from any final finding by the authorities.

The reported direction to leave India has brought renewed attention to the restrictions governing OCI cardholders and the legal questions surrounding the participation of foreign citizens in political demonstrations in the country.