Mumbai: Actor Imran Khan is set to approach the Bombay High Court to challenge a notice asking him to leave India, his lawyer has said.
The development comes amid a controversy over the actor’s participation in a protest in Mumbai and allegations of violations of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) provisions.
Imran’s lawyer has argued that OCI cardholders are not prohibited from participating in protests.
Last week, Imran, who reportedly holds a US passport, participated in a demonstration at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Mumbai Police detained the actor during the protest.
According to the information available, proceedings have been initiated against Imran under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act over allegations that he participated in the demonstration despite not being an Indian citizen.
Following his detention, Imran shared a photograph of himself apparently inside a police van on social media, captioning it, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”
Speaking to the media, the actor said he had attended the gathering as a citizen of Mumbai and was not there to represent any specific demand.
He also questioned the restrictions on freedom of movement and what he described as the silencing of people’s voices.
CJP activist Abhijit Dipke also expressed support for Imran in a post on X, drawing a comparison between the actor’s situation and that of American singer Mary Millben, who has publicly expressed support for the BJP.
“Mary Millben, an American, can speak in favour of the BJP. But Imran, an OCI cardholder, can’t say anything against the BJP,” Dipke wrote.
Earlier, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had sought Imran’s immediate arrest and deportation, alleging that the actor had violated OCI provisions and visa conditions by participating in the protest.
Somaiya said he had submitted evidence to the police concerning Imran’s speeches during the demonstration and his earlier remarks.
He also urged the authorities to take immediate action, accusing the actor of misusing his OCI status to participate in what he described as an illegal political agitation.
Speaking to the media, Somaiya accused Imran of displaying what he called “political extremism”.
“The citizens of India cannot tolerate the political extremism that Imran Khan has been displaying during his recent stay in the country. He is an American citizen holding an OCI card, yet he has attempted to misuse his status. Today, we submitted all proofs and evidence to the police regarding his conduct—specifically the speeches he delivered during the protest and his earlier comments,” Somaiya said.
