Full Breakdown
Actor Imran Khan Served a “Leave India” Notice After Joining an Anti-CEC Protest
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 10 2026, Mumbai police detained actor Imran Khan, a U.S. citizen with an OCI card, during a demonstration in August Kranti Maidan organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
On October 15 2026, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued a “Leave India” notice ordering Khan to exit by October 28 2026 under Sections 7(2)(c) and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
Background & Context
OCI status, introduced in 2005, grants foreign nationals of Indian origin a lifelong multiple-entry visa and economic privileges but does not confer citizenship or political rights. While Article 19 of the Constitution reserves freedom of speech and assembly for citizens, Articles 14 and 21 guarantee equality before the law and personal liberty to all persons, including foreign nationals.
The protest formed part of a wider movement challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, a process that began in June 2025 and was upheld by the Supreme Court in May 2026.
Legal Framework
- Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 – Section 7(2)(c) permits the government to prohibit a foreigner’s presence in a specified area; Section 29 authorises removal for violations of the Act or an adverse security report.
- Citizenship Act, 1955 (Section 7A) – Defines eligibility for OCI registration.
- OCI Rights – Holders cannot vote, contest elections, or hold constitutional offices; they remain foreign nationals for immigration purposes.
Data & Statistics
- Reports differ on the number of detained protesters, citing about 400 to around 600 individuals, including Khan, his partner Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan.
- The notice gives Khan 13 days to depart.
Official Statements & Responses
Khan’s legal team, led by Zulfiquar Memon, Parvez Memon and Chirag Naik of MZM Legal LLP, announced plans to file a writ petition in the Bombay High Court, arguing that “rules do not prohibit OCI cardholders from participating in a protest”.
Criticism & Opposition
- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed the government was “scared” of protests and questioned why foreign-born personalities such as former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were not similarly targeted.
- CJP founder Abhijit Dipke highlighted a perceived double standard, noting, “Mary Millben, an American, can speak in favour of the BJP. But Imran, an OCI cardholder, can’t say anything against the BJP.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses, including Khan’s partner Lekha Washington, described the police operation as a “media-swarmed” detention.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Detention numbers differ (? 400 vs. ? 600).
- No public clarification has been provided on the specific provision of the Immigration Act that Khan allegedly breached, leaving the legal basis of the notice ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mary Millben, an American, can speak in favour of the BJP. But Imran, an OCI cardholder, can’t say anything against the BJP.” — Abhijit Dipke, CJP founder
- “The government is scared if Imran Khan is asked to leave the country for participating against the SIR protest in favour of the youth,” — Sanjay Raut
What’s Next
The petition is expected to be listed before a division bench of the Bombay High Court (Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna) for an urgent hearing. The court will consider whether the FRRO’s reliance on Sections 7 and 29 is justified absent a specific statutory violation, potentially clarifying the extent to which OCI cardholders may engage in political demonstrations in India.