Mumbai Police issued a ‘Leave India’ notice to actor Imran Khan on Thursday, directing him to leave the country by 28 October. The notice comes after Khan took part in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on August 28, where he demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Khan’s appearance at the demonstration was filmed by local media and sparked a social media backlash among BJP supporters. The police claim the actor’s participation violated the Immigration Act, as he is not an Indian citizen.
Khan holds an American passport and an OCI card, a status that grants limited rights but not the right to engage in political rallies. Under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act, police argue that his presence at the protest constitutes unlawful political activity by a non-citizen. The notice also accuses him of misusing his OCI status to influence Indian politics. Officials say the law allows for deportation if a non-citizen violates conditions of entry.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya demanded Khan’s immediate arrest and deportation, labeling his conduct as ‘political extremism.’ Somaiya presented evidence of the actor’s speeches during the protest and earlier remarks to the police. He also warned that the city’s freedom of movement was being suppressed. The call for action aligns with the party’s hardline stance on foreign nationals participating in domestic politics.
The controversy was sparked earlier this week when CJP activist Abhijit Dipke posted on X, comparing American singer Mary Millben’s support for the BJP with Imran Khan’s inability to speak in favour of the party. Dipke’s tweet highlighted a perceived double standard, arguing that OCI holders lack a platform to express political views. The post drew mixed reactions from online communities, with some defending the actor’s rights and others echoing the BJP’s concerns. It added fuel to an already heated debate over political expression by non-citizens.
Khan was detained by police on Saturday and photographed inside a police van, where he posted a caption about a ‘drive.’ He has vowed to challenge the restrictions on freedom of movement in court. The police are preparing to file a deportation order, with a hearing likely to be scheduled by the end of next week.