Imran Khan asked to leave India: What rights do OCI cardholders have?
Actor Imran Khan, an OCI cardholder, has been ordered to leave India following his participation in a political protest. The government cited the Foreigners Act, which restricts foreign nationals from engaging in political activities on Indian soil.
Why it matters
This case clarifies the legal limitations and political rights of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, setting a precedent for foreign nationals in India.
NEW DELHI: Actor Imran Khan has been asked to leave India by October 28 after participating in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai on October 10. The notice invokes Sections 7 and 29 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, raising questions about the government's powers over foreign nationals and the rights of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.The actor holds US citizenship and an OCI card. He was detained during the protest, and the action followed a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who alleged that Khan had violated the law by participating in the demonstration."There are thousands of Imran Khans in India. They want to live here and defame the country.
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