What happened
Imran Khan is taking a leave-India notice to the Bombay High Court, his lawyer has said. The actor was detained last week at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai, where demonstrators were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Khan, who reportedly holds a US passport, now faces action under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act. Authorities allege he took part in a political protest despite not being an Indian citizen. His legal team says the rules do not bar Overseas Citizen of India cardholders from participating in a protest.
The dispute has escalated quickly from a local rally to a court-bound fight over status and speech.
- Khan was detained last week at August Kranti Maidan.
- He reportedly travels on a US passport and holds OCI status.
- His lawyer will challenge the notice in the Bombay High Court.
- BJP leader Kirit Somaiya wants immediate arrest and deportation.
The moment that made it viral
After his detention, Khan shared a photograph of himself apparently seated in a police van. The caption was dry: “Apparently I’m going for a drive.” Speaking to the media, he said he had come to the protest as a Mumbai resident and was not there with any specific demands. He also questioned restrictions on freedom of movement and the suppression of people’s voices.
CJP activist Abhijit Dipke supported Khan with a pointed comparison on social media. He noted that American singer Mary Millben can speak in favour of the BJP, while Khan, an OCI cardholder, is being challenged for saying something against it.
The opposing view
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has taken the opposite stance. He has demanded immediate arrest and deportation, and says he has given the police evidence related to Khan’s speeches at the demonstration and his earlier remarks. Somaiya has described the actor’s conduct as “political extremism”.
“He is an American citizen holding an OCI card, yet he has attempted to misuse his status,” Somaiya said.
Why this matters for celebrity-watchers
This is not only a legal story about one actor. It shows how quickly a Bollywood name can cross from film promotion into a political flashpoint. The Bombay High Court hearing is likely to turn on a single question: what political activity is an OCI cardholder legally allowed to join? The answer could set a reference point for other public figures with overseas ties.
For now, Khan’s next stop is not the airport but the court.
Source: Hindustan Times
Comments