Actor Imran Khan, a US citizen who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has been directed to leave India following his participation in a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Mumbai last week.
Mumbai Police served the notice under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The action follows Khan’s presence at a demonstration against Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at August Kranti Maidan on October 10.
Khan attended the protest with his partner, actor Lekha Washington, and his cousin Zayne Marie Khan. All three were detained during the demonstration and were subsequently released.
Following his detention, Khan posted a photograph of himself inside a police van with the caption: “Apparently I'm going for a drive.” BJP leader Kirit Somaiya later called for action against the actor over his participation in the protest.
Provisions under the Immigration and Foreigners Act
Section 7 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 gives the Central Government the authority to issue orders, directions or instructions regulating, restricting or prohibiting the entry, departure, presence or movement of foreigners in India.
Section 29 deals with the removal of foreigners. It allows the Central Government, through a general or special order, to direct the removal of a foreigner who has violated the Act or any rule or order made under it, or against whom there is an adverse security report.
The provision also states that government officers may exercise all reasonable powers required to enforce such removal directions.
What an OCI card permits
The OCI scheme was introduced in 2005 for eligible people of Indian origin who hold foreign citizenship. An OCI card does not grant Indian citizenship; cardholders remain foreign nationals.
Subject to the applicable rules, OCI cardholders are entitled to a lifelong, multiple-entry visa for India along with specified privileges related to education, property and certain professional activities.
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