NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor Imran Khan, nephew of actor Aamir Khan, has reportedly been issued a notice directing him to leave India by October 28 following his participation in a protest in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The reported notice follows a protest held on October 10 at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai, backed by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Imran Khan was among those detained by police during the demonstration. He was subsequently released.
US citizen living in India
Imran Khan, who rose to fame with films such as Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and Delhi Belly, was born in Wisconsin in the United States. He is a US citizen and reportedly resides in India on an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
His participation in the protest reportedly prompted questions about the rules governing foreign citizens’ involvement in political demonstrations in India.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya is said to have lodged a complaint with the police, seeking an investigation into the actor’s citizenship status and legal position in India, along with appropriate action.
OCI rules under scrutiny
OCI cardholders are foreign citizens of Indian origin who enjoy certain residency and other privileges in India. However, they are not Indian citizens and do not enjoy all the political rights available to Indian nationals.
The case has drawn attention to the restrictions applicable to OCI cardholders, particularly concerning political activities and public demonstrations.
However, participation in a protest does not, by itself, automatically establish that an OCI cardholder must be deported. Any action would depend on the applicable laws, relevant regulations and the specific circumstances of the case.
Further details regarding the legal basis of the reported notice and the next steps in the matter are awaited.
The development has sparked a broader discussion about the rights and restrictions applicable to foreign nationals of Indian origin participating in public and political activities in the country.
