Mumbai: Bollywood actor Imran Khan, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, has been asked by Indian authorities to leave the country by October 28 after he took part in a protest in Mumbai, media reports said on Thursday.
The 43-year-old actor, nephew of superstar Aamir Khan, joined a demonstration on October 10 at August Kranti Maidan organised by the Cockroach Janta Party. Protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which opposition parties and critics allege favours the ruling party. Police detained Khan along with his partner, actor Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan during the agitation. More than 400 people were taken into custody that day, reports said.
Khan posted a photograph from inside a police vehicle on Instagram with the caption, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.” Speaking to reporters earlier, he said he had attended in his personal capacity as a resident of Mumbai and not as a representative of any organisation. “I don’t have demands. I am here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city,” he was quoted as saying.
Following the protest, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint alleging that Khan, as a foreign national, had violated rules governing OCI cardholders by participating in a political demonstration. The complaint was forwarded to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which issued a Leave India Notice. Police officials said the action was taken under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, including sections that allow the government to regulate the presence of foreign nationals and order their removal. Officials stated that foreign nationals are prohibited from engaging in political activities or protests on Indian soil.
Khan has indicated he will challenge the notice in the Bombay High Court. His lawyers have said no specific provision of the law or OCI rules bars cardholders from joining a peaceful protest. The development comes as the actor was preparing for a Bollywood comeback after an 11-year hiatus. He rose to fame with films such as Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008), I Hate Luv Storys, Delhi Belly and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan before stepping away from acting in 2015.
Authorities have not issued a detailed public statement beyond confirming the notice. Khan has not responded publicly to the latest order. The episode has drawn attention to the legal boundaries for OCI holders participating in public demonstrations in India.
