In Brief
- Mumbai Police issued an official notice to the American citizen and OCI cardholder instructing him to depart the country before the October 28 deadline.
- The action follows Khan's detention during a CJP-led demonstration in Mumbai opposing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya formally petitioned authorities and the Home Ministry seeking action and a Look Out Circular against Khan, arguing that foreign nationals should not engage in domestic political protests.
Actor Imran Khan has come under severe regulatory scrutiny, receiving a formal "Leave India" notice from the Mumbai Police instructing him to depart the country by October 28, 2026.
The directive stems from the actor's recent involvement in a high-profile street demonstration in Mumbai organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Khan, who holds US citizenship and travels on an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, was briefly detained by law enforcement alongside other demonstrators during the unrest.
The enforcement action follows a formal complaint lodged by senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya. Somaiya petitioned both the Mumbai Police and the Union Home Ministry questioning the legality of a foreign passport holder engaging in domestic political activism and public agitation. Under OCI guidelines, foreign nationals registered as overseas citizens are generally restricted from engaging in certain political activities within India.
Legal representatives for the actor maintain that Khan attended the gathering strictly in an individual capacity as a private citizen. However, immigration and local law enforcement authorities have proceeded with the departure deadline while reviewing potential violations of visa and OCI terms.
