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Actor Imran Khan told to leave India by October 28 for participating in CEC protest
India🏛️ PoliticsCenter9 hr. ago

Actor Imran Khan told to leave India by October 28 for participating in CEC protest

Actor Imran Khan, a U.S. citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, was directed by the Mumbai Police to leave India by October 28 after participating in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The police issued a Leave India Notice under the Immigration Act, citing his non-Indian citizenship. Khan plans to challenge this notice in the Bombay High Court. His legal team argues that OCI holders are allowed to participate in protests. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya supported the police action, stating that foreign citizens funding unrest in India should face such measures.

Actor Imran Khan, a U.S. citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, plans to challenge a notice issued by the Mumbai Police, which directs him to leave India by October 28. The notice comes after Khan participated in a protest at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan on October 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. His legal team indicated he would file a petition in the Bombay High Court, likely by October 16 or October 19, through his advocate Zulfiquar Memon. The notice was issued following a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who alleged that Khan had violated the law by participating in the demonstration. The Mumbai Police invoked Sections 7(2)(c) and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, to justify the directive. Section 7(2)(c) grants the government the power to issue directions prohibiting, regulating, or restricting the presence or continued presence of any foreigner. Section 29 authorizes the government to direct the removal of a foreign national for contravening any provisions, rules, or orders of the Act or based on an adverse security report. Khan, the nephew of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, was briefly detained during the protest but later released. According to his representatives, he will contest the "draconian" order issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), arguing that no provision under the current law or statutory rules prohibits an OCI cardholder from participating in a peaceful protest. OCI cardholders are granted certain privileges, including a lifelong, multiple-entry visa to India and exemptions from registering with the FRRO. However, they do not hold Indian citizenship and thus lack political rights, including the ability to vote or contest elections. They are also barred from holding constitutional offices such as president, vice-president, or judge of the Supreme Court or High Courts. Legal experts have questioned whether participating in a protest constitutes a violation of immigration law for an OCI cardholder. Advocate Ajinkya Udane noted that while the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, grants the government broad powers to regulate the presence and activities of foreign nationals, there is no explicit prohibition against attending public protests. The crux of the legal challenge lies in identifying a specific provision, rule, or order that Khan allegedly violated. The Bombay High Court is expected to hear the petition urgently, with a division bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna scheduled to consider the matter. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how OCI cardholders' rights are interpreted in relation to participation in political demonstrations. Kiran Rao, a filmmaker and friend of Khan, expressed her support for him, highlighting his long-standing connection to Mumbai and India. She criticized the notice, questioning the rationale behind targeting Khan for his participation in the protest. The protests against Gyanesh Kumar stem from concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission and its handling of the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise. This exercise, aimed at verifying voter eligibility, has sparked debates about its impact on voters' rights and election outcomes. Despite the Supreme Court upholding the legality of the SIR process, some states have used it to deny benefits to individuals removed from the electoral rolls. Khan's case has drawn attention to the broader implications of OCI status and the rights of foreign nationals in India. As the legal battle unfolds, the focus remains on interpreting the Immigration and Foreigners Act and determining the extent to which OCI cardholders can engage in political activities without facing deportation.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 5 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

7 reports

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentCenter9 hr. ago
Actor Imran Khan to move Bombay High Court against notice asking him to leave India

Actor Imran Khan is planning to file a petition with the Bombay High Court in response to a notice requiring him to leave India. This legal action comes after authorities issued a directive for his departure, likely related to ongoing legal or immigration matters. The situation highlights potential tensions between public figures and regulatory bodies. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar cases involving celebrities and legal notices.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward report on Imran Khan's planned legal action without overtly favoring any side. It does not include biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorial commentary that would indicate a clear ideological lean.

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentCenter9 hr. ago
Imran Khan asked to leave India: What rights do OCI cardholders have?

Actor Imran Khan, a U.S. citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, was instructed to leave India by October 28 after participating in a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner in Mumbai. This directive came from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) following a complaint from BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who claimed Khan violated the law by joining the demonstration. The notice cites sections of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The OCI program grants foreign nationals of Indian origin certain benefits, such as a lifetime multiple-entry visa and exemptions from FRRO registration, but does not grant Indian citizenship or political rights. OCI holders cannot vote or run for office and face restrictions on certain activities like journalism or missionary work.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the situation, explaining both the legal actions taken against Imran Khan and the rights and limitations of OCI cardholders. It includes relevant legal provisions and clarifies the distinction between OCI status and Indian citizenship without showing overt

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenter11 hr. ago
'Go, Demonstrate In US': Top Lawyer On 'Leave India' Notice To Imran Khan

Imran Khan, a US citizen and holder of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, plans to challenge a notice from the Mumbai Police requiring him to leave India by October 28. The notice was issued due to his alleged violation of regulations by participating in a political demonstration. Khan intends to file a petition with the Bombay High Court to contest this directive. The case centers around the legal status of OCI cardholders and their rights regarding participation in political activities within India.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation factually without apparent bias. It outlines the legal action Imran Khan is planning against the Mumbai Police's notice, providing information on his status as an OCI cardholder and the reason for the notice. There is no evident framing that favors one side over另一方

Deccan Herald logoDeccan HeraldIndependentProgressive11 hr. ago
'Studied here, loved here': Kiran Rao backs Imran Khan after FRRO issues 'Leave India' notice

Kiran Rao has publicly supported Imran Khan following an issue where the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued a 'Leave India' notice. In her statement, Kiran expressed surprise at the situation, referencing Imran Khan's long-standing presence in the country. The article highlights Kiran's endorsement of Imran despite the administrative action taken by FRRO.

Bias read (Progressive): The article presents support for Imran Khan, who is associated with left-leaning political ideologies in India, and frames the FRRO notice as a potential overreach, suggesting a critical stance towards the administration handling the matter.

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentCenter17 hr. ago
Actor Imran Khan to move HC against notice asking him to leave country for taking part in protest

Actor Imran Khan, who holds an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card, plans to challenge in the High Court a notice requiring him to leave the country for participating in a protest. In his draft petition, he describes the 'leave India' directive as 'drastic' and argues that existing laws do not prohibit OCI cardholders from engaging in peaceful protests. This legal action highlights the ongoing debate over the rights of OCI holders in India and their participation in political demonstrations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively, focusing on the legal challenge by Imran Khan and his argument regarding OCI cardholders' rights. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The framing remains neutral, simply relaying the actor's stance andthe

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentCenteryesterday
Can Imran Khan be forced to leave India for joining a protest? What the law says

The article discusses whether former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan could be compelled to leave India if he participates in a protest. It examines relevant Indian laws and legal provisions that might apply in such a scenario. The piece explores the potential legal implications of foreign nationals engaging in protests within India, focusing on immigration regulations and public order laws. It does not provide specific conclusions but outlines the framework under which such actions could be addressed.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral examination of existing laws without taking a stance on the issue. It presents the legal framework without apparent bias toward any particular interpretation or outcome.

Scroll.in logoScroll.inIndependentCenteryesterday
Actor Imran Khan told to leave India by October 28 for participating in CEC protest

Actor Imran Khan, a U.S. citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, was directed by the Mumbai Police to leave India by October 28 after participating in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The police issued a Leave India Notice under the Immigration Act, citing his non-Indian citizenship. Khan plans to challenge this notice in the Bombay High Court. His legal team argues that OCI holders are allowed to participate in protests. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya supported the police action, stating that foreign citizens funding unrest in India should face such measures.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the police's stance and Khan's legal defense without overtly favoring either side. It includes quotes from opposing perspectives, including the BJP leader's support for the action, but does not editorialize or frame the event with clear ideological bias.

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