The Mumbai Foreigners Regional Registration Office issued a "Leave India Notice" to U.S. citizen and OCI cardholder Imran Khan on Oct 15, directing him to depart India by Oct 28, 2026. Khan had attended an Oct 10 protest at August Kranti Maidan demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation over voter-roll revision; he was detained and released the same evening. The notice followed a complaint filed Oct 13 alleging he engaged in political activity as a foreign citizen, and cites the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 — warning that disobeying could lead to prosecution.
Khan's lawyer plans to challenge the order in the Bombay High Court, arguing OCI rules do not expressly bar attending a public demonstration. The case is pending; the order is an administrative direction, not a conviction, and his OCI registration has not been stated to be cancelled.
Key legal distinction: an OCI card grants a lifelong Indian visa and immigration privileges, but holders remain foreign citizens — no vote, no contesting elections, no political rights reserved for citizens.
Why it matters
Many in our community are OCI holders or U.S. citizens traveling to India and attending community events. This live case is a concrete reminder of what OCI status does and does not protect — worth knowing before your next trip.
