Bollywood actor Imran Khan’s legal team has disputed claims that he participated in an anti-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan on October 10, saying he was merely passing through the area. The clarification comes after authorities directed the actor, a US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, to leave India by October 28.
According to a report Khan’s lawyers have challenged the assertion that he actively participated in the demonstration, which sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The dispute over his presence at the protest has assumed significance after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued a notice asking him to leave the country.
The development has brought the actor’s immigration status and the rules governing the political activities of foreign nationals in India into focus.
What Happened At August Kranti Maidan
On October 10, Mumbai Police detained hundreds of people who had gathered or attempted to gather at August Kranti Maidan in support of a protest called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The demonstration was part of a wider mobilisation demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Khan was among those detained during the police action. He subsequently shared a photograph of himself inside a police van on social media, captioning it, “Apparently I’m going for a drive."
The actor’s presence at the site became a subject of controversy after BJP leader Kirit Somaiya approached the police, questioning his alleged participation in a political demonstration despite his foreign citizenship. Somaiya sought action against Khan, arguing that his involvement in the protest raised concerns about compliance with the rules applicable to foreign nationals and OCI cardholders. The subsequent notice directing Khan to leave India by October 28 intensified the controversy.
The actor’s lawyers have now contested the characterisation of his presence at the protest, maintaining that he was passing through the area rather than participating in the demonstration.
Why Has Imran Khan Been Asked To Leave India?
Khan, known for films such as Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and Delhi Belly, is a US citizen and holds an OCI card. Although OCI status allows eligible foreign citizens to travel to and reside in India under specified conditions, it does not confer Indian citizenship.
Under the Citizenship Act, OCI cardholders do not enjoy the political rights reserved for Indian citizens, including the right to vote or contest elections. Constitutional protections under Article 19, which include freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, are also specifically guaranteed to Indian citizens.
However, the legal position on foreign nationals attending political protests is more nuanced than a blanket prohibition. The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, gives the government broad powers to regulate the presence and conduct of foreign nationals in India, but does not expressly state that foreigners or OCI cardholders are prohibited from attending protests.
The precise legal grounds cited in Khan’s case therefore remain important in determining the basis of the action against him.
Lawyers Seek CCTV Footage To Back Their Claim
Khan’s legal team has indicated that it intends to seek CCTV footage from the area to establish his movements on the day of the incident.
“Let police take out the CCTV footage of the area and everything will be clear," advocate Zulfiquar Memon told media.
According to the defence, Khan was passing through Nana Chowk when police barricades obstructed the road and members of the media approached him. The lawyers have challenged the allegation that he participated in the demonstration in the manner claimed by the complainant.
Khan had offered a different explanation for his presence when speaking to the media shortly before he was detained. “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, why are people’s voices being repressed," he said.
Police, meanwhile, registered a case against protesters, including Khan, over alleged unlawful assembly, as permission had not been granted for the demonstration.
Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam defended the FRRO’s action, saying, “When you enter a country, a visa is issued and certain conditions are stated. You cannot violate those conditions, and if any violation occurs, the relevant Act applies and a notice is issued."
Source: News18