Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has expressed support for a Mumbai Police notice directing actor Imran Khan to leave India by October 28 following his participation in a demonstration in Mumbai. Pandit welcomed the action and questioned why the actor would take part in a political protest despite reportedly holding United States citizenship. Expressing satisfaction over the decision, Pandit stated that non-citizens should not participate in activities that could defame the country or create public unrest.
He advised individuals who lack Indian citizenship to properly study local regulations and understand the legal boundaries regarding demonstrations before taking to the streets. The Foreigners Regional Registration Officer in Mumbai issued the Leave India Notice on October 15, ordering Khan to depart by October 28 due to alleged violations of immigration regulations, warning of potential prosecution for non-compliance.
The directive followed Khan's involvement in an October 10 protest at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan, where demonstrators called for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and raised concerns regarding voter-list revisions. Khan, who reportedly holds US citizenship alongside an Overseas Citizen of India card, was briefly detained alongside partner Lekha Washington and cousin Zayn Marie Khan during the rally.
Following his detention, Khan posted a social media image from inside a police vehicle with a lighthearted caption before telling reporters he attended simply as a local resident rather than representing any political group. He also questioned limitations on personal movement and expression.
Meanwhile, Khan's attorney, Zulfiquar Memon, announced that the legal team intends to challenge both the FRRO departure order and related police summonses, seeking an expedited hearing. Memon maintained that holding an Overseas Citizen of India card does not legally bar individuals from joining peaceful demonstrations. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had previously urged authorities to deport Khan, claiming the actor breached the terms of his OCI status during the protest.