Actor Imran Khan ordered to leave India after BJP complaint over protest participation
American OCI holder Imran Khan was instructed to exit India by Oct 28 after BJP leader Kirit Somaiya raised objections to his involvement in a Mumbai demonstration demanding the chief election commissioner’s resignation.
On Oct 10, Imran Khan joined a protest at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai that demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral-roll irregularities. The rally, organized by Tushar Gandhi to back the Cockroach Janata Party, proceeded without police permission, leading to the detention of hundreds, including Khan, who later shared a selfie from a police van. BJP politician Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint with Mumbai police, contending that Khan’s status as an American citizen holding an OCI card barred him from taking part in political activity.
The grievance was sent to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, which issued a notice requiring Khan to depart India by Oct 28. The case highlights the limits of OCI privileges, which allow residency and travel but do not confer Indian citizenship or the right to engage in political protests.
Why it matters
The case tests the boundaries of OCI rights and foreign participation in Indian political actions.
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