Actor Imran Khan is set to move the Bombay High Court against an order issued by authorities directing him to leave the country by Oct 28.
His legal representative maintained that no existing rule or law prohibits Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders from participating in peaceful public demonstrations.
The controversy stems from Khan’s participation in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during which he was briefly detained by Mumbai Police.
Action was subsequently initiated under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act over allegations that he engaged in political agitation despite holding foreign citizenship.
The administrative notice followed complaints by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who accused the US passport holder of misusing his OCI status and displaying “political extremism,” demanding his immediate deportation.
Conversely, civil rights activists questioned the move, pointing out double standards regarding foreign nationals expressing political views. Khan’s petition terms the departure notice “drastic” and seeks urgent judicial intervention.