Actor Imran Khan to challenge notice to leave India in Bombay High Court

Imran Khan will move the Bombay High Court after receiving a notice to leave India following his participation in a Mumbai protest. The actor, who holds a US passport and an OCI card, was detained by Mumbai police at the August Kranti Maidan protest that called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police have opened action against him under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act, alleging he joined the protest despite not being an Indian citizen. Khan’s lawyer said the law does not bar OCI cardholders from taking part in demonstrations and pledged to contest the notice. After his detention, Khan posted a photo from a police van with the caption, "Apparently I’m going for a drive," and told media he was there as a Mumbai resident with no specific demands, questioning limits on movement and the silencing of voices.

Reaction

CJP activist Abhijit Dipke criticised the notice on X, noting that an American supporter of the BJP can speak freely while an OCI holder faces restrictions. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya demanded Khan’s immediate arrest and deportation, claiming he misused his OCI status and called his actions "political extremism." Somaiya said he submitted evidence of Khan’s speeches and earlier remarks to police and urged swift action.

Context

OCI cards allow foreign nationals of Indian origin to live and work in India but do not automatically grant political rights. The case highlights the legal gray area around foreign‑origin citizens taking part in domestic political protests.