Actor Imran Khan, an American citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has been directed to leave the country following his participation in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party in Mumbai last week.
Mumbai Police delivered the notice under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Section 7 of the Act empowers the Central Government to issue orders regulating, restricting or prohibiting the entry, departure, presence or movement of foreigners in India. Section 29 deals with the power of removal, allowing the Central Government to direct the removal of a foreigner for violating the Act or on the basis of an adverse security report. Officers are authorised to enforce such directions.
An OCI card, introduced in 2005, is available to eligible people of Indian origin who hold foreign citizenship. It does not confer Indian citizenship. Cardholders receive a lifelong multiple-entry visa to India along with certain privileges related to education, property and professional activities, subject to applicable rules.
Khan was among those present at August Kranti Maidan on October 10 for a protest against Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He was accompanied by his partner, actor Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayne Marie Khan. The three were detained during the demonstration and released later. Khan shared a photograph from inside a police van with the caption “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had earlier called for action against the actor over his involvement in the protest.
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