Mumbai Police have directed actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28, 2026, after he participated in a protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The Leave India Notice, issued on October 15, cites his status as a foreign national and alleged violation of immigration rules, according to The Times of India.

The development has raised questions about whether foreign citizens and OCI cardholders can participate in political demonstrations in India. It also highlights the difference between receiving a notice to leave the country and being deported. The actor is now preparing to challenge the order in the Bombay High Court.

What happened at August Kranti Maidan

The actor, who is Aamir Khan's nephew and an American citizen, participated in a demonstration at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan on October 10. Known for Bollywood films including Delhi Belly, he joined protesters demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over concerns surrounding the Election Commission. The demonstration was associated with the Cockroach Janta Party protest campaign. Police briefly detained him alongside other participants, including actors Lekha Washington and Zayn Marie, according to media reports.

The Delhi Belly actor subsequently defended his presence at the gathering, saying he attended as a Mumbai resident rather than as a representative of any organisation.

Speaking to reporters, he questioned restrictions on public movement and people's ability to express concerns over government institutions.

Why Mumbai Police cited his citizenship

Authorities maintain that foreign nationals cannot participate in certain political activities while residing in India. The notice was reportedly issued after officials examined his involvement in the October 10 demonstration. Although he holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, the status does not grant Indian citizenship or every constitutional right available exclusively to Indian citizens. 

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya had also sought action against the actor, questioning his participation in a political protest despite holding American citizenship. According to NDTV, the action involves Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. These provisions concern the regulation of foreign nationals and their removal from India. However, the precise application of the Immigration Act to his circumstances may become a central issue in the legal challenge.

Imran Khan to challenge Leave India Notice in Bombay High Court

The latest development came on October 15, when the actor's legal representatives indicated that they would challenge the notice before the Bombay High Court. According to Bar & Bench, advocates Zulfiquar Memon, Parvez Memon and Chirag Naik are representing him. The petition is expected to seek judicial intervention before the October 28 deadline.

A Leave India Notice is an administrative direction requiring a foreign national to leave within a specified period. It is not proof that deportation has already taken place. Failure to comply can lead to additional immigration enforcement, but the legal consequences depend on the applicable provisions and any relief granted by a court. The Immigration Act controversy has therefore moved beyond the original protest. The key question is whether the authorities acted within their legal powers and followed the necessary procedures.

What the case means for OCI cardholders

India grants OCI cardholders long-term immigration privileges, including the ability to live and work in the country, but they remain foreign citizens. The dispute has brought attention to the limits of political participation by OCI holders, particularly when demonstrations concern sensitive public institutions. It also raises broader questions about how immigration restrictions intersect with peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The actor's connection to Aamir Khan and his public profile have brought significant attention to the case, but the underlying legal questions extend to other foreign nationals residing in India.

For now, the October 28 deadline remains in place unless authorities or a court intervene. The next development will depend on the proposed High Court challenge and whether any interim relief is granted. What began as a protest appearance at August Kranti Maidan has now developed into a dispute over immigration enforcement, political participation and the rights available to foreign residents in India.