Union minister reacts to 'Leave India' notice issued to actor Imran Khan over protest participation
Union minister Chirag Paswan termed foreign nationals' involvement in India's internal affairs unacceptable, following a 'Leave India' notice issued to actor Imran Khan for joining protests demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.
AI-generated summary
Actor Imran Khan received a 'Leave India' notice from Mumbai Police following his participation in a protest demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
NEW DELHI: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday reacted to the ‘Leave India’ notice issued to actor Imran Khan over his participation in protests seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Paswan termed the involvement of foreign nationals in India’s internal affairs “unacceptable”, while expressing support for peaceful protests by Indian citizens.
Paswan told news agency ANI that he supported peaceful demonstrations by Indian citizens but questioned the participation of those who do not hold Indian citizenship. “There is no objection to Indian citizens playing a role in matters concerning India while living within the country. I have always supported peaceful protests. However, I do not consider it justifiable for someone who is not an Indian citizen to intervene in India's internal affairs or play a role in such matters,” he said.
“For someone who is not an Indian citizen to involve themselves in India's internal affairs—especially when there are growing concerns that foreign forces may be involved in orchestrating these events—is unacceptable,” the Union Minister added.
Paswan’s remarks follow the issuance of a ‘Leave India’ notice to Imran Khan by Mumbai Police on Thursday. The notice directs the actor to leave India by October 28. According to ANI, Khan, the nephew of actor Aamir Khan, holds an American passport. Authorities have initiated action against him under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act over allegations that he participated in a protest despite not being an Indian citizen.
Khan had joined a demonstration at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He was detained by Mumbai Police last week. After his detention, the actor posted a picture of himself apparently sitting inside a police van, with the caption, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”
Khan said he had visited the protest site as a citizen of Mumbai and was not there to press any specific demands. He also raised questions about freedom of movement and what he described as the suppression of people’s voices.
On Saturday, Khan approached the Bombay high court, challenging the notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) over alleged violations of the Foreigners Act. His lawyer indicated that the notice would be contested in court. Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya had called for Khan’s immediate arrest and deportation, alleging violations of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) provisions and visa conditions.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Bombay High Court will hear the challenge against the FRRO notice.
Very likely · Within days
Union minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of conspiring to incite violence and trigger unrest in India during anti-SIR protests, drawing parallels to events in Bangladesh and France.
Google cofounder Sergey Brin has contributed over $100 million to campaigns opposing California's proposed billionaire wealth tax. However, he will not vote on the measure after shifting his residency and voter registration to Nevada in December.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticized Uddhav Thackeray for backing calls for a regime change in India, citing the 2022 Shiv Sena split and stating that governments are decided through elections, not street protests.
Uttarakhand minister Rekha Arya dismissed her husband Girdhari Lal Sahu's allegations of Rs 210 crore in illegal assets as baseless. Meanwhile, a nine-member SIT is probing Arya's police complaint against Sahu for physical assault and harassment.

Five months before the Uttar Pradesh elections, BSP demonstrated strength in Lucknow. Mayawati demanded Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram and targeted the government. Declining vote bank, weak organization and leadership crisis are major challenges before the party.

Journalists discuss the role of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), opposition and left organisations, strict police action and media freedom during Jantar Mantar 2.0 protests in Delhi.