Mumbai Police issued a notice asking actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said, "I am really very happy," regarding the action taken after the actor joined a protest on October 10. Imran, a US citizen, now plans to challenge this order in court soon.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has reacted to the Mumbai Police notice asking actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28 following his participation in a protest in Mumbai. Pandit said he was happy with the action and questioned the actor's decision to participate in a political demonstration despite reportedly being a US citizen.
"I am really very happy... because when you don't have a right to protest, and you are not a citizen of this country, you go all out to see to it that our country is defamed," Pandit said while speaking ANI.
He further alleged that such protests could create unrest and advised those who are not Indian citizens to understand the rules governing their rights before participating in demonstrations.
"So, first educate yourself, study, and ask your family members and elders to explain whether you are allowed to take to the streets and wage a war against this country, because you are trying to create unrest in the country," he added.
Why has Imran Khan been asked to leave India?
The Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in Mumbai issued a 'Leave India Notice' to Imran on October 15, directing him to leave the country by October 28. The order cited alleged violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and warned of possible prosecution in case of non-compliance.
The notice followed the actor's participation in a protest at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan on October 10. The demonstration was held to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with concerns raised over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged voter-list manipulation.
Imran, who reportedly holds US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, was detained by Mumbai Police during the protest. His partner, actor Lekha Washington, and cousin Zayn Marie Khan were also detained.
After his detention, Imran shared a photograph apparently taken inside a police van on social media, captioning it, "Apparently I'm going for a drive."
Speaking to the media at the time, the actor said he had attended the demonstration as a resident of Mumbai and was not representing any political organisation. He also questioned restrictions on freedom of movement and people's ability to express their views.
Imran Khan to challenge notice
Imran's lawyer, Zulfiquar Memon, has said the actor plans to challenge the FRRO order as well as the Mumbai Police summons related to his participation in the protest. The legal team is preparing a plea seeking an urgent hearing, according to the lawyer.
Memon has also argued that OCI cardholders are not prohibited from participating in protests.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had earlier called for Imran's arrest and deportation, alleging that the actor had violated the conditions of his OCI status. Somaiya said he had submitted material to the police concerning the actor's speeches during the demonstration and his earlier remarks.
Imran has previously spoken publicly about his views on civic issues. In July, he criticised police action against students protesting irregularities in the NEET examination.