Imran Khan Gets Leave India Notice From Mumbai Police After Protest; Deadline Set for October 28

Bollywood actor Imran Khan, known for films such as Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, has reportedly received a notice from Mumbai Police directing him to leave India by October 28, 2026.

According to reports citing news agency ANI, the police issued a Leave India Notice (LIN) after the actor participated in a protest held at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan on October 10. The demonstration called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The reported notice states that Khan is not an Indian citizen and questions his participation in the protest. Police action followed a complaint alleging that his involvement in the demonstration violated rules applicable to foreign nationals. The development has drawn attention because Khan is a well-known actor who has largely stayed away from the film industry in recent years. However, the notice concerns his reported immigration status and participation in a political demonstration, rather than his acting career.

Kirit Somaiya's complaint led to action

The controversy intensified after BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya complained to the authorities about Khan's participation in the protest. Somaiya argued that a foreign national should not take part in political activities in India and called for action against the actor.

Following the complaint, the authorities examined Khan's citizenship and immigration status. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) subsequently issued the notice directing him to leave India by October 28, according to The Indian Express and The Times of India.

Khan is reportedly a US citizen and holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. An OCI card allows eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin to live in India under specified conditions, but it does not grant Indian citizenship.

What is an OCI card, and what are its limits?

An Overseas Citizen of India card is often misunderstood as dual citizenship. It is not Indian citizenship. OCI cardholders receive certain immigration and other benefits, but they do not have all the rights available to Indian citizens.

For example, OCI cardholders cannot vote in Indian elections or contest elections for Parliament or state legislatures. Their ability to take part in political activities is also subject to applicable laws and government rules.

The legal question in Khan's case concerns whether his participation in the demonstration violated the rules governing foreign nationals and OCI cardholders. The notice is an administrative action, and its legality can be challenged through the legal process.

Imran Khan plans to challenge the notice in Bombay High Court

Khan's legal team has said that it is preparing to challenge the FRRO notice in the Bombay High Court. According to The Indian Express, his lawyers confirmed that they were in the process of filing a petition against the order.

The court challenge could examine the legal basis for directing him to leave India and whether the authorities followed the correct procedure. The outcome will depend on the arguments presented and the court's decision.

Until the matter is decided, the October 28 deadline remains an important date in the case. A court order or other official decision could affect the next steps.

Lekha Washington and Jain Marie Khan were also detained

Imran Khan attended the October 10 protest alongside his girlfriend, actor Lekha Washington, and his cousin Jain Marie Khan. They were among those detained by Mumbai Police during the demonstration.

The protest was held at August Kranti Maidan in support of the Cockroach Janata Party's campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police detained hundreds of demonstrators during the action, according to The Indian Express.

Khan's participation has now led to a separate immigration dispute, placing the actor at the centre of a debate over foreign nationals, political demonstrations and freedom of expression.

What happens next?

The immediate question is whether the Bombay High Court will hear Khan's challenge before the October 28 deadline and whether it will grant any interim relief.

The case also raises a broader legal question: how far foreign nationals and OCI cardholders can participate in political demonstrations in India, and what procedures the authorities must follow when taking immigration action.

The key point: Imran Khan has reportedly been directed to leave India by October 28, 2026, following his participation in a protest. His legal team is preparing to challenge the notice, so the final outcome remains subject to further proceedings.