Actor Imran Khan, an American citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has been issued a notice to leave India following his participation in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai on 10 October 2026, as reported in OpIndia.
The notice was issued by Mumbai Police under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which empowers the Central Government to regulate the entry, stay, movement and departure of foreign nationals in India.
The action comes days after Khan participated in the demonstration at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, where protesters demanded action against Gyanesh Kumar. Khan’s partner, actor Lekha Washington, and his cousin Zayne Marie Khan were also present at the protest. All three were detained by police during the demonstration and subsequently released.
What Does The Immigration And Foreigners Act, 2025 Say?
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, contains provisions governing the entry, presence, movement and departure of foreign nationals in India.
Section 7 empowers the Central Government to issue directions concerning the entry, departure, presence and movement of foreigners in the country.
Section 29 deals specifically with the removal of foreign nationals from India. Under this provision, the Central Government can direct the removal of a foreigner for violating the Act, or any rules, regulations or orders made under it. Removal may also be ordered on the basis of an adverse security report.
The Act further empowers government officers to take reasonable measures to enforce such removal directions.
The reported notice to Khan therefore brings his status as an American citizen holding OCI registration into focus. The precise grounds cited in the notice, however, would be necessary to establish the specific legal basis for the action against him.
What Is An OCI Card? Does It Grant Indian Citizenship?
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 the term “citizen” in its name, an OCI card does not confer Indian citizenship. OCI cardholders remain foreign nationals and are subject to applicable Indian immigration laws and regulations.
The scheme provides eligible cardholders with certain privileges, including a lifelong, multiple-entry visa to India, subject to the applicable rules. OCI cardholders also receive specified benefits relating to education, property ownership and certain professional activities.
OCI status does not place its holders on the same legal footing as Indian citizens, and their rights and privileges remain subject to statutory restrictions.
Imran Khan Participated In CJP Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
On 10 October 2026, Khan participated in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan organised against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. His partner, actor Lekha Washington, and his cousin Zayne Marie Khan also joined the demonstration.
Police detained all three during the protest before releasing them.
Following his detention, Khan shared a photograph of himself inside a police van on social media, captioning it: “Apparently I’m going for a drive”.
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