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BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has questioned if Imran Khan, as a reported US citizen and OCI card holder, was legally permitted to participate in a political demonstration.
Actor Imran Khan comes under radar for joining Mumbai political protest. (Photo: Instagram)
Actor Imran Khan, who reportedly holds US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has come under scrutiny for participating in a protest in Mumbai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Mumbai Police have reportedly issued a notice asking actor to leave the country by October 28.
The controversy began after Khan was detained by Mumbai Police on October 10, when protesters gathered near August Kranti Maidan to support the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The protest was linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
According to a report by The Times of India, police have forwarded a complaint filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). While it is no officially confirmed as of now if Imran Khan has been formally ordered to leave India, netizens are curious to know if he can be asked to do so for taking part in a protest. Let’s find out more:
Why Has Kirit Somaiya Demanded Action Against Imran Khan?
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has questioned whether Khan, as a reported US citizen and OCI card holder, was legally permitted to participate in a political demonstration against an Indian constitutional authority.
Somaiya approached the Gamdevi police station seeking action against the actor, including his detention and deportation. “Requested Immigration Home Ministry to issue a LOC ( look out circular) against #ImranKhan to NOT to leave India,” he wrote on X.
Police officials reportedly confirmed that Khan is a foreign national and said the matter had been referred to the competent immigration authorities for examination. Reports have also stated that police could summon the actor to verify his citizenship documents.
Meanwhile, Khan, who was released after being detained during the October 10 protest, said he was not representing any organisation. “I don’t have demands. I am here as a citizen, as someone who lives in this city,” he had said, as quoted by India Today.
Can Imran Khan Be Asked To Leave India?
The issue has brought attention to the difference between Indian citizenship and OCI status. It should be noted that an OCI card allows eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin to live and work in India under specified conditions. However, it does not grant them full Indian citizenship or some of the political rights available to Indian citizens.
Under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, the government can cancel an individual’s OCI registration on specific legal grounds. However, participation in a protest does not automatically mean that an OCI card must be cancelled or that the person must be deported. Any action would depend on the applicable law, the evidence and the decision of the competent authority.
Besides this, foreign nationals are also protected by certain constitutional provisions, including Article 21, which safeguards life and personal liberty. Any action affecting their stay in India follows the applicable legal process.
What Will Happen Next?
The referral of Somaiya’s complaint to the FRRO means immigration authorities can examine Khan’s citizenship and OCI status and determine whether any rules were violated. It does not, by itself, establish that the actor has been ordered to leave India. Whether authorities take further action will depend on the outcome of their examination.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Actor Imran Khan has been issued a notice by Mumbai Police instructing him to leave India by October 28 after he participated in a Mumbai protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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Chirag Sehgal works as a Chief Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. He has a strong expertise in content creation, digital storytelling and social media strategy. Skilled in covering ce…Read More
October 15, 2026, 11:53 IST