Actor Imran Khan is preparing to challenge the notice asking him to leave India, with his lawyer saying that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are not prohibited from participating in protests. The actor has found himself at the centre of a political and legal controversy after taking part in a demonstration in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
According to the information provided, Imran’s lawyer has said that the actor will approach the Bombay High Court against the notice. The development comes after action was reportedly initiated against him under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act over allegations that he participated in the protest despite not being an Indian citizen.
The case has drawn attention to the rules governing OCI cardholders, their activities in India and the legal basis for the action taken against the actor.
Why Was Imran Khan Asked to Leave India?
Imran, who reportedly holds a US passport and an OCI card, participated in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign. Mumbai Police detained him along with other protesters during the demonstration.
Following the protest, the authorities reportedly issued a notice asking him to leave India by October 28. The action followed complaints by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who alleged that Imran had violated OCI provisions and visa conditions by participating in what he described as an illegal political agitation.
Imran’s lawyer, however, has challenged the basis of the notice, arguing that OCI rules do not prohibit cardholders from participating in protests. The actor is now expected to take the matter to the Bombay High Court, where the legal questions surrounding the notice can be examined.
Imran Khan Says He Attended as a Citizen of Mumbai
During the protest, Imran explained that he had not come with any specific demands. He said he was present as someone who lives in Mumbai and wanted to understand why freedom of movement was being restricted and why people’s voices were being suppressed.
His comments placed the focus on the issues raised during the demonstration rather than on a personal demand. After his detention, the actor also shared a picture that appeared to show him seated inside a police van. He captioned it, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”
The post attracted attention as the controversy surrounding his participation in the protest continued to grow.
Kirit Somaiya Demands Action Against the Actor
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has called for Imran’s immediate arrest and deportation, alleging that the actor misused his OCI status. Somaiya said he had submitted evidence to the police concerning the actor’s speeches at the protest and earlier comments.
He also accused Imran of displaying what he described as “political extremism” and argued that his conduct required immediate action by the authorities.
These statements represent Somaiya’s allegations. The actor’s lawyer has disputed the basis of the notice, and the legal questions are expected to be addressed through the proposed court challenge.
CJP Activist Abhijit Dipke Backs Imran Khan
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activist Abhijit Dipke also reacted to the controversy, expressing support for Imran. In a post on X, Dipke wrote, “Mary Millben, an American, can speak in favour of the BJP. But Imran, an OCI cardholder, can’t say anything against the BJP.”
His remarks brought the debate over the actor’s participation into the wider political discussion, with questions being raised about how political expression by foreign nationals and OCI cardholders should be treated.
However, the circumstances and legal status of different individuals may vary, and the rules applicable to OCI cardholders need to be assessed on the basis of the relevant law and facts.
What Happens Next?
Imran Khan’s proposed move to the Bombay High Court could become the next major development in the case. The court challenge is expected to focus on the notice asking him to leave India and the legal provisions cited by the authorities.
For now, the matter remains a dispute involving competing claims: Somaiya alleges that Imran misused his OCI status, while the actor’s lawyer argues that OCI rules do not bar participation in protests.
The outcome will depend on the applicable legal provisions, the grounds for the notice and the arguments presented before the court. Until those issues are examined, the allegations against the actor should not be treated as established findings.
