Actor Imran Khan to Move Bombay High Court Against Notice to Leave India

Actor Imran Khan will approach the Bombay High Court challenging a notice directing him to leave India by October 28, his lawyer has said. The legal challenge comes after Mumbai Police initiated action against the actor over his participation in a protest in Mumbai, reportedly citing alleged violations of immigration rules.

Khan, who reportedly holds a US passport and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, maintains that OCI rules do not prohibit cardholders from taking part in protests.

Why Was Imran Khan Asked to Leave India?

Last week, Khan participated in a demonstration at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Mumbai Police detained the actor during the protest.

According to the information provided, action was initiated against Khan under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act over allegations that he participated in the demonstration despite not being an Indian citizen.

After his detention, Khan shared a photograph that appeared to show him sitting inside a police van. He captioned the post, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”

Speaking to the media, the actor said he had attended the gathering as a citizen of Mumbai and was not there to pursue any specific demands. He also questioned restrictions on freedom of movement and what he described as the suppression of people’s voices.

Activists and Political Leaders React

CJP activist Abhijit Dipke backed Khan and criticised the action against him in a post on X.

“Mary Millben, an American, can speak in favour of the BJP. But Imran, an OCI cardholder, can’t say anything against the BJP,” Dipke wrote.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya had earlier demanded Khan’s immediate arrest and deportation over his participation in the protest. Somaiya alleged that the actor had violated OCI provisions and visa conditions by taking part in what he described as an illegal political agitation.

Somaiya said he had submitted evidence to the police concerning Khan’s speeches at the demonstration and his earlier remarks. He called for immediate police action, accusing the actor of misusing his OCI status.

“The citizens of India cannot tolerate the political extremism that Imran Khan has been displaying during his recent stay in the country. He is an American citizen holding an OCI card, yet he has attempted to misuse his status. Today, we submitted all proofs and evidence to the police regarding his conduct—specifically the speeches he delivered during the protest and his earlier comments,” Somaiya said.

The allegations against Khan and the legal challenge to the notice are now set to become the subject of proceedings before the Bombay High Court.