US Citizen Actor Imran Khan Served 'Leave India by Oct 28' Notice Over Anti-Gyanesh Kumar Protest

The Mumbai Police has served a formal "Leave India" notice to actor Imran Khan, directing him to depart the country by October 28 following his participation in an anti-Chief Election Commissioner – Gyanesh Kumar - demonstration in the city.

The enforcement action against the 43-year-old actor, who holds United States citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, stems from his direct engagement in a political rally at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan. The protest called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Official proceedings against Khan have been initiated under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration Act, which strictly restrict foreign nationals from engaging in political activities or demonstrations within Indian territory.

Foreign Citizenship Status Prompts Police Action

Authorities confirmed that the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO), operating alongside the Mumbai Police, issued the deportation notice after reviewing evidence of Khan's presence at the venue. While OCI cardholders enjoy lifelong entry and work privileges in India, federal regulations explicitly prohibit non-citizens from taking part in political campaigns, public agitation, or anti-government demonstrations.

"Foreign nationals residing in India under any visa category or OCI status are bound by clear statutory conditions," stated a senior Mumbai Police officer familiar with the development. "Taking part in political rallies or public protests violates the standard terms of residence granted to non-Indian citizens. The notice grants a specified timeline until October 28 to comply with the exit directives."

Khan, who is the nephew of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and has retained his US passport throughout his career in the Hindi film industry. Despite living and working in India for decades, he chose not to swap his American citizenship for Indian nationality, as India does not permit dual citizenship.

Legal Experts Weigh In On OCI Restraints

The directive highlights the stringent legal framework governing foreign passport holders operating in India's public sphere. Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, alongside visa manuals issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, explicitly dictates that OCI status does not grant political rights, including the right to vote, hold constitutional posts, or engage in political gatherings.

Legal analysts point out that administrative agencies routinely exercise immigration powers when foreign nationals step into political friction points.

"The law makes no distinction between a high-profile public figure and an ordinary foreign traveler," said senior advocate Ramesh Samant. "An OCI cardholder enjoys economic, educational, and financial parity with non-resident Indians, but political participation remains strictly off-limits. Breach of these norms inevitably triggers deportation mechanisms under the Foreigners Act and statutory immigration rules."

Political Fall-out And Precedents

The anti-CEC agitation at August Kranti Maidan gathered momentum over recent days, attracting activists, political figures, and civic groups. Khan's sudden presence amongst the demonstrators quickly caught the attention of local law enforcement officials deployed to monitor the gathering.

While Khan's legal team has yet to release an official response regarding whether they intend to challenge the order in the Bombay High Court or apply for an administrative stay with the Ministry of Home Affairs, time remains short. If Khan fails to leave Indian soil by the October 28 deadline, authorities may initiate formal deportation proceedings, alongside blacklisting him from future reentry into the country.