Actor Imran Khan Ordered to Leave India by October 28 After Joining Mumbai Protest; Plans High Court Challenge

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Imran Khan, nephew of superstar Aamir Khan, has reportedly been ordered to leave India by October 28, 2026, following his participation in a protest demanding electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The actor, who holds American citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, received a notice from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) over his participation in a demonstration at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan.

Khan's lawyer has challenged the legal basis of the notice and said the actor intends to approach the Bombay High Court.

Police Cite OCI Status Over Protest Participation

According to a police statement, Khan participated in an agitation organised on October 10 by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a protest group demanding electoral reforms.

Police said Khan took part in the demonstration despite not being an Indian citizen.

An OCI card allows eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin to live and work in India, subject to applicable rules. However, OCI cardholders do not have voting rights and cannot contest elections.

Authorities have alleged that Khan's participation in the protest violated applicable regulations.

Actor's Lawyer Questions Deportation Notice

Khan's legal representative has disputed the action, arguing that no provision of law or rule governing OCI cardholders explicitly prohibits participation in a peaceful demonstration.

According to reports, the actor's proposed legal challenge describes the notice as a drastic measure.

The dispute is expected to raise questions about the application of immigration regulations to OCI cardholders participating in public demonstrations.

BJP Leader Kirit Somaiya Filed Complaint

The police action followed a complaint by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kirit Somaiya, who accused Khan of involvement in an alleged conspiracy to create unrest in India.

The allegation has not been established in court.

Khan has not directly addressed Somaiya's accusation but previously explained his reasons for attending the demonstration.

Speaking to reporters, the actor said he had joined as someone living in Mumbai and wanted to understand why public movement and expression were allegedly being restricted.

He also clarified that he was not representing any political organisation.

Imran Khan Briefly Detained During Protest

Following the October 10 demonstration, Khan was briefly detained alongside other protesters.

The actor subsequently shared a photograph from inside a police detention vehicle on Instagram with the caption, "Apparently I'm going for a drive."

The post reportedly attracted more than two million likes.

Protests Against Election Commissioner Continue

The controversy comes amid demonstrations in Delhi, Mumbai and other Indian cities demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Protesters have raised allegations of electoral irregularities, including concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

The Election Commission has denied allegations of electoral misconduct.

Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, have also participated in demonstrations seeking greater scrutiny of the electoral process.

The CJP has announced further protests as the political dispute continues.

Imran Khan Recently Returned to Acting

Imran Khan rose to fame with his lead debut in the 2008 romantic comedy Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na.

He later appeared in films including I Hate Luv Storys, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Delhi Belly.

After more than a decade away from leading film roles, Khan is reportedly returning to acting with the Netflix project Adhure Hum Adhure Tum.

The immigration notice has now placed the actor at the centre of a legal and political controversy, with his proposed High Court challenge likely to determine the next stage of the dispute.