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

Departure Order

Actor Imran Khan has received a formal notice from Mumbai Police ordering him to leave India by October 28. Police took action because he is not an Indian citizen and participated in a political protest in the city.

The Protest

Imran Khan joined a demonstration on October 10 at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan. The protest was organized by Cockroach Janata Party to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He also previously joined their July 22-23 protest against the NEET paper leak. Police detained him alongside over 400 other demonstrators, registering an FIR against the group.

Citizenship Status

Imran Khan was born on January 13, 1983, in Madison, Wisconsin, in the United States, and holds American citizenship. While he has an Overseas Citizen of India card, authorities invoked relevant sections of immigration and foreigners laws because foreign nationals cannot take part in local political activities and protests in India.

Complaints and Defence

BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya filed a formal police complaint against him, arguing that foreign citizens holding OCI cards must not join domestic protests. Before being detained, Imran stated that he attended simply as a resident to see why people's freedom of movement was restricted. Inside the police van, he joked about going on a drive, and was later released after being driven around for roughly two hours.

Context

Overseas Citizen of India cards grant individuals lifelong visa-free travel and residency rights in India, but do not confer full political rights or Indian citizenship. Foreign nationals residing in the country are generally bound by strict legal conditions barring them from participating in local political demonstrations.