Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has publicly backed the Mumbai Police’s decision to issue a notice to Bollywood actor Imran Khan, directing him to leave the country by October 28. The notice follows the actor’s participation in a political protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan last week, where he joined calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Action has been initiated against the actor under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act, as he reportedly holds a US passport and is not an Indian citizen.
Expressing his approval of the police move, Ashoke Pandit stated he is happy with the decision, suggesting that non-citizens should educate themselves on their rights before engaging in public protests. Pandit claimed that such actions could be part of a larger agenda to defame the nation, adding that those who are not citizens should not be attempting to create unrest or wage a war against the country. He urged the actor to consult with his family and elders to better understand the legal boundaries of his status while staying in India.
The controversy intensified after BJP leader Kirit Somaiya demanded the actor’s immediate arrest and deportation, alleging that he misused his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status by participating in an illegal political agitation. Somaiya submitted evidence of the actor’s speeches to the police, labeling his conduct as political extremism. Meanwhile, the actor, who was briefly detained on Saturday, had previously shared a lighthearted photo from inside a police van. The situation has sparked a debate on social media, with activist Abhijit Dipke questioning the double standards regarding who is permitted to express political opinions based on their citizenship status.