Ashoke Pandit supports government’s notice asking Imran Khan to leave India, says ‘You are not a citizen of this country’ as actor prepares to move Bombay High Court: Report |
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has supported the government’s decision to ask actor Imran Khan to leave India after his presence at a Mumbai protest led to a political row. The actor holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and is a US citizen. He is now set to challenge the notice in the Bombay High Court.
What Ashoke Pandit said
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit questioned why Imran Khan chose to join the protest. In his view, a person who is not an Indian citizen cannot claim the right to protest in the country.“I am really very happy… because when you don’t have a right to protest, and you are not a citizen of this country. You go all out to see to it that our country is defamed,” Ashoke Padnit told ANI in an interview.He also advised Imran Khan to learn the rules that apply to his status before joining any demonstration. He added, “So, first educate yourself, study, and ask your family members and elders to explain whether you are allowed to take to the streets and wage a war against this country, because you are trying to create unrest in the country.”
Why Imran Khan was asked to leave
The row began on October 10, when Mumbai Police detained Imran, nephew of actor Aamir Khan, at a protest held at August Kranti Maidan. The demonstration was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).After the detention, the actor posted a photo that seemed to show him inside a police van. The caption read, “Apparently I’m going for a drive”.Speaking to the media at the protest, Imran said he had come as a resident of Mumbai. “I don’t have demands. I’m here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city. I’m here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted, why people’s voices are being suppressed,” he stated.
FRRO notice and legal challenge
On October 15, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) sent a notice asking Imran Khan to leave India by October 28. The notice named alleged violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.The actor’s lawyer, Zulfikar Memon, has confirmed that Imran will move the Bombay High Court against the notice. The petition is likely to be filed by Friday or Monday. His legal team has called the order “drastic” and said no law specifically stops OCI cardholders from taking part in protests.
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