Bollywood actor Imran Khan has landed in legal trouble after being served a ‘Leave India’ notice by the Mumbai Police. The actor, who holds an American passport, has been directed to depart the country by October 28. The action comes following his participation in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, where he joined calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Authorities have initiated proceedings against the actor under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act, citing allegations that he violated visa conditions by engaging in political agitation as a foreign citizen.
The controversy began on Saturday when police detained the actor during the demonstration. Khan, who is the nephew of superstar Aamir Khan, took the situation in stride on social media, posting a photo of himself inside a police van with the cheeky caption, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.” Speaking to the press during the event, the actor maintained that he was present simply as a concerned resident of the city. “I don’t have demands. I am here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city. I am here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted,” he stated, questioning the suppression of public voices.
The legal heat intensified after BJP leader Kirit Somaiya formally requested the actor’s arrest and deportation. Somaiya accused Khan of misusing his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status, alleging that his involvement in the protest amounted to “political extremism.” The BJP leader claimed he had submitted evidence to the police regarding the actor’s speeches and previous remarks, arguing that foreign nationals holding OCI cards are prohibited from participating in illegal political activities. Somaiya asserted that the actor’s conduct during his stay in India was unacceptable and demanded strict adherence to immigration laws.