Actor Imran Khan ordered to leave India by October 28 after joining Mumbai protest

Actor Imran Khan has been directed by immigration authorities to leave India by October 28 following his participation in a Mumbai protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Protest and Detention

Khan, an American citizen who holds an Overseas Citizen of India card, joined an October 10 gathering at August Kranti Maidan. The demonstration was organized to support the Cockroach Janata Party and protest alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, called the gathering. Mumbai Police detained hundreds of protesters, including Khan, after stating that the event lacked proper permission and violated Bombay High Court directions restricting protests to Azad Maidan. Khan drew public attention by posting a selfie from a police van on Instagram.

Complaint and Notice

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed a police complaint questioning whether a foreign national could legally participate in a political demonstration and alleging violations of Overseas Citizen of India provisions. The complaint went to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office in Mumbai, which subsequently issued the notice ordering Khan to depart the country. Khan stated to the media that he attended the event as a Mumbai resident in his individual capacity to understand why people's movements and voices were restricted.

Context

Overseas Citizen of India cardholders receive various residency and travel benefits in India, but they do not hold full Indian citizenship. Legal and immigration rules place strict boundaries on the political activities permitted by foreign nationals living in the country. This case highlights how immigration authorities enforce these limits when foreign citizens become involved in domestic political agitations.