Bollywood Actor Imran Khan Heads to High Court to Fight Order to Leave India Over Election Protest

Bollywood actor Imran Khan has initiated legal proceedings to contest a directive mandating his departure from India by October 28. The notice was issued after Khan's participation in a demonstration calling for the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar.

Khan, an American citizen residing in India under an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, received the deportation order at his residence in Mumbai's Khar district. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) delivered the notice following complaints about his involvement in a protest held on October 10.

This protest was organized to support a political movement led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi, which alleges manipulation of voter lists during a Special Intensive Revision exercise. Authorities in Mumbai arrested more than 400 individuals linked to the demonstration, including Khan and his associates.

Official reports cited the lack of prior permission for the protest as a violation of regulations, noting that the Bombay High Court restricts protest activities in Mumbai to designated venues such as Azad Maidan. Khan’s presence at the protest, which took place in August Kranti Maidan, was highlighted as part of the grounds for legal action.

Legal representatives from MZM Legal LLP are preparing a petition to be submitted to the Bombay High Court, arguing that Indian law and OCI rules do not prohibit cardholders from attending public demonstrations. The defense emphasizes that the deportation order is an excessive measure and challenges the interpretation of OCI status conditions.

Further complicating the situation, former BJP Member of Parliament Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint accusing Khan of violating the terms of his OCI status and engaging in political extremism. Somaiya has actively sought additional measures, including a Look Out Circular to prevent Khan from leaving India, based on allegations that Khan’s activities breach visa and residency terms.

It is important to note that while the Indian government has previously revoked OCI privileges over similar concerns, such as in the case of Kannada actor Chetan A Kumar, the process to strip OCI status is distinct from issuing a deportation notice. The current case raises questions about the legal boundaries of political expression for OCI cardholders.

Imran Khan, known for his roles in films like "Delhi Belly," "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan," and "I Hate Luv Storys," has been relatively inactive in acting in recent years but is slated to return in the upcoming film "Adhure Hum Adhure Tum." His engagement in civil protests marks a notable shift from his entertainment career to public political activism.

The actor was detained alongside his girlfriend, Lekha Washington, and his cousin, Zayn Marie Khan, with police filing legal charges against them. Khan’s public statements prior to detention emphasized his identity as a concerned citizen of Mumbai, rather than as a political agitator.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the complex intersection of citizenship status, political rights, and legal regulations in India, particularly concerning foreign nationals holding OCI cards. Details about the court’s response and the broader implications for foreign citizens engaging in political activities in India remain limited.