Bollywood actor Imran Khan has been issued a notice by Indian authorities to leave the country by October 28 after participating in a protest in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Khan, who holds U.S. citizenship, was detained by Mumbai Police on October 10 at a demonstration held at August Kranti Maidan, which called for Kumar’s removal over allegations concerning revisions to voter rolls.
The protest came amid mounting criticism from opposition parties and activists, who argue that recent changes to the electoral rolls could disenfranchise millions of voters, disproportionately benefiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Election Commission of India has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the voter roll revision aims to remove duplicates and ineligible voters, including illegal foreign immigrants.
Imran Khan’s involvement raised legal concerns due to his foreign nationality. Indian authorities cited violations under Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act. A Leave India Notice (LIN) was formally issued by Mumbai Police instructing him to exit the country by the specified deadline. Additionally, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, responsible for monitoring foreign nationals in India, served the notice based on a complaint filed at Mumbai’s Gamdevi Police Station, where an FIR was registered against Khan concerning his participation in the protest without the required permissions.
The complaint was lodged by BJP leader and former Member of Parliament Kirit Somaiya, who urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities to prevent Khan from traveling abroad until investigations were concluded. Somaiya asserted that Khan’s participation as a non-citizen breached immigration laws and called for a lookout circular against him. He also suggested examining whether Khan’s actions warranted further scrutiny under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Imran Khan, a former Bollywood star and nephew of Aamir Khan, had retired from the film industry several years ago. After his arrest at the protest, Khan posted an image on social media signaling his detention, which quickly gained widespread attention. He described himself as a concerned resident of Mumbai, stating that he was present to observe restrictions on freedom of movement and the suppression of voices, without representing any political group or issuing formal demands.
The peaceful demonstration in Mumbai was part of broader nationwide unrest surrounding the Election Commission’s voter list revision, which has led to heightened security measures including large-scale police deployments, metro station closures, train cancellations, and temporary internet shutdowns during protest periods.
While supporters of the voter roll revision view it as a necessary step to ensure electoral integrity, critics maintain it undermines democratic participation. The controversy continues to fuel political tension as various stakeholders debate the legitimacy and implications of the ongoing electoral changes.