Actor Imran Khan, an American citizen who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has reportedly been issued a notice to leave India following his participation in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Mumbai last week.
The notice, issued by Mumbai Police, invokes provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which empowers the government to regulate the entry, stay, movement and departure of foreign nationals in India.
Section 7 of the Act empowers the Central Government to issue directions governing the entry, departure, presence and movement of foreigners in the country. Section 29 specifically deals with the removal of foreign nationals from India.
Under Section 29, the Central Government can order the removal of a foreigner for violating the Act or rules and orders made under it, or based on an adverse security report. Government officers are also empowered to take reasonable measures to enforce such directions.
What is an OCI card?
Introduced in 2005, the Overseas Citizen of India scheme allows eligible people of Indian origin who hold foreign citizenship to register for OCI status.
Despite its name, an OCI card does not grant Indian citizenship. OCI cardholders remain foreign nationals, although they enjoy certain privileges, including a lifelong, multiple-entry visa to India, subject to applicable rules. They are also entitled to specified benefits relating to education, property ownership and certain professional activities.
Imran Khan’s participation in the CJP protest
Khan was among those who gathered at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10 to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. His partner, actor Lekha Washington, and his cousin Zayne Marie Khan also participated in the demonstration.
All three were detained by police during the protest and subsequently released.
Khan later shared a photograph of himself inside a police van on social media, accompanied by the caption: “Apparently I’m going for a drive”.
Following the incident, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had demanded action against the actor over his participation in the protest.
The reported notice to leave India marks a fresh development in the controversy surrounding Khan’s involvement in the demonstration. The legal basis and circumstances of the notice remain central to understanding the action taken against the American citizen holding OCI status.
