Imran Khan Gets 'Leave India' Notice; What the Law Says If He Holds OCI Status
Actor Imran Khan has reportedly been asked to leave India after joining the CJP protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai. The notice raises questions about immigration law and restrictions applicable to OCI cardholders.
Bollywood actor Imran Khan has been asked to leave India by the Mumbai Police through a notice served days after he participated in the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest on October 10 against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Mumbai Police officials stated that Khan violated provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act by participating in the political event.
"Imran Khan holds foreign citizenship and is not an Indian national. Under relevant provisions of the Foreigners/Immigration Act, foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in political protests or political activities on Indian soil," a police official said, reported by PTI.
Khan was born in Madison, Wisconsin, in the US, and holds American citizenship. He also holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, which grants him a lifelong visa and the right to live and work in India without requiring a separate visa. Although the OCI card allows long-term residence, it is not equivalent to Indian citizenship. OCI cardholders are subject to specific restrictions under Indian law.
Restricted Political Rights: Fundamental rights under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, including freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, are available to Indian citizens. Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders cannot vote, contest elections or hold public office. They are also subject to restrictions on participating in political activities and public agitations directed against the Government of India.
Cancellation Provisions (Section 7D): Under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, the Union government has the authority to cancel an OCI card if its holder violates prescribed conditions or engages in activities that fall under the statutory grounds for cancellation, including those considered detrimental to India's sovereignty, security or public order.
What Happened in This Case?
The country has witnessed widespread protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, who has been accused of taking “illegal” and “unauthorised” decisions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, allegedly leading to the deletion of millions of eligible voters. An additional declaration introduced for Form 6, which is used to enrol new voters, sought details of applicants' generational links to previous electoral rolls. The requirement reportedly delayed voter enrolment and raised concerns about eligible voters being denied their right to vote.
This led to nationwide protests demanding Kumar's resignation over allegations that the revision process had deprived a large number of people of their voting rights.
Following that, the internet-born CJP called for a protest on October 10 at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai. Imran Khan arrived at the protest with his partner, actor Lekha Washington, and his cousin, Zayne Marie Khan. The actor, who is the nephew of superstar Aamir Khan, was detained by the police along with his family members. They were taken to different locations across the city before being released the same day.
Actor Imran Khan, nephew of Aamir Khan, has been issued a notice by Mumbai Police directing him to leave India by October 28. Imran Khan had participated in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. https://t.co/XJKGuKJdyv
— Shakeel Yasar Ullah (@yasarullah) October 15, 2026
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Khan posted a picture on his social media account with the caption, “Apparently I'm going for a drive.” Speaking to the press, Khan said he had no specific demands and was present at the protest as a citizen. “I don't have demands. I am here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city. I am here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted. Why are people's voices being suppressed? That is why I am here,” the actor said.
