In brief
In Mumbai on 10 October, actor Imran Khan joined a Gen‑Z protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Authorities have ordered the American‑born actor, who holds an Overseas Citizen of India card, to depart India by 28 October. Khan’s lawyer says the OCI status does not forbid protest participation and will challenge the directive in Bombay High Court. The move follows growing nationwide demonstrations and political backlash against perceived electoral irregularities.
Authorities in India have ordered actor Imran Khan, nephew of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, to leave the country by 28 October after he participated in a protest demanding electoral reforms.
Khan, an American citizen, holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, allowing entry and stay but prohibiting voting or contesting elections. Police said he joined the agitation at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan, calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Khan’s lawyer announced a lawsuit against the Bombay High Court to challenge the dismissal notice, arguing OCI holders do not have restrictions on protest participation. The police cite the Foreigners' Regional Registration Office’s (FRRO) notice for violating laws.
The actor first appeared as a child in 1988’s Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and rose to fame in 2008’s romantic comedy Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. He returned to cinema this year with the Netflix film Adhure Hum Adhure Tum.
The protest, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), saw thousands march across Delhi, Mumbai and other cities, demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar ahead of state elections. Delhi leaders like Rahul Gandhi participated in a march to the Supreme Court, and two CJP leaders were briefly jailed for trespassing. The group plans another demonstration on Friday evening in the capital.
