Actor directed to leave India by October 28, reply also sought on cancellation of OCI card; Imran challenged in Bombay High Court
New Delhi/Mumbai. The issue of notice to leave India to Bollywood actor Imran Khan has sparked political debate. Union Minister Chirag Paswan, reacting to this, said that Indian citizens have the right to express their views on issues related to the country and to protest peacefully. However, he also said that a person who is not a citizen of India should not interfere in the internal affairs of the country.
This statement of Chirag Paswan has come at a time when actor Imran Khan has challenged the notice issued by the Foreigners Registration Office (FRRO) in the Bombay High Court. They have been instructed to leave India by 28 October. Apart from this, a reply has also been sought on the possibility of cancellation of their Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
What did Chirag Paswan say?
Chirag Paswan said that he supports peaceful protests and Indian citizens have every right to express their opinion on national issues while living in the country. But according to him, a person who is not a citizen of India should avoid playing a role in the internal affairs of the country.
The Union Minister also expressed concern about the possible role of foreign forces in this matter. However, the apprehension expressed in his statement cannot be considered as evidence of any foreign interference in Imran Khan's case.
Notice issued after the October 10 demonstration
Imran Khan took part in the demonstration organized on October 10 at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This demonstration was related to Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The protesters had raised questions about the process of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.
During the demonstration, the police stopped Imran near the barricade and detained him. After this, a case of alleged violation of rules related to foreign citizens came to light against him. FRRO issued him a notice to leave India by 28 October.
Imran Khan is a US citizen and has an OCI card. OCI card does not confer Indian citizenship, but allows eligible foreign nationals to reside in India and avail certain prescribed facilities.
Answer sought even on cancellation of OCI card
After the notice to leave India, FRRO issued another notice to Imran Khan. It has been asked why his OCI card should not be cancelled. He has been given 15 days time to reply in this regard.
This process has not yet reached the stage of final order. Therefore, at present no final conclusion can be drawn regarding the cancellation of OCI card.
Actor reached Bombay High Court
Imran Khan has challenged the instructions to leave India in the Bombay High Court. In his petition, the notice has been described as arbitrary and without sufficient reason. The actor's stand is that he was not given a fair opportunity to present his case before the notice was issued and the grounds for the alleged violation were not clearly stated.
The petition demands a stay on the notice and its cancellation. Now, its legal position will become clear only after the arguments of the government side and the actor come before the court in the case.
Legal process important amid political rhetoric
Imran Khan's case has intensified the debate over peaceful protests, political activities of foreign nationals and the rules applicable to OCI cardholders. On one hand, Chirag Paswan has raised questions on the role of non-Indians in India's internal affairs, while the actor has challenged the notice in the court.
At present, the final decision on the matter related to Leave India Notice and OCI Card has not been taken. Further legal proceedings on questions related to its legality and actor's rights will be important.