Mumbai authorities have issued a departure notice to US citizen and actor Imran Khan, citing his participation in a political protest on October 10. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office has mandated his exit by October 28, alleging a violation of the Immigration and Foreigners Act. The actor is expected to challenge the order in the Bombay High Court.
Mumbai Police authorities have officially notified actor Imran Khan, a United States citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, to depart the country by October 28. This administrative action follows the actor’s participation in a demonstration at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) contends that the actor’s involvement in the event constitutes a violation of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, which restricts foreign nationals from engaging in political activities or protests while in India.
Legal representatives for the actor are currently preparing an urgent filing to challenge this notice in the Bombay High Court. The draft petition argues that the police order is an excessive measure and asserts that there is no explicit statutory framework preventing OCI cardholders from participating in peaceful democratic assemblies. The case is scheduled for an expedited hearing before a bench led by Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna. The court's decision may set a legal precedent regarding the rights and limitations of OCI cardholders regarding local political participation.
The notice has also sparked a political debate. Kirit Somaiya of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who reportedly filed the initial complaint against the actor, has publicly supported the police action, suggesting that immigration regulations should be applied consistently to all foreign nationals. In contrast, leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, including Congress leader Nana Patole and Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmaker Sanjay Raut, have described the move as an attempt to suppress dissent. Nationalist Congress Party working president Supriya Sule has also defended the actor, characterizing peaceful protest as a fundamental right and questioning the consistency of rule enforcement.
For those following this matter, the primary monitorable will be the upcoming court hearing, which could clarify the extent of political participation allowed for OCI cardholders and foreign residents under Indian law. The outcome will determine whether the departure notice remains in effect or is stayed by the court.