Mumbai’s Gamdevi police station has written to immigration authorities after BJP MP Kirit Somaiya alleged that actor Imran Khan—an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card-holder—violated Section 7D of the Citizenship Act by participating in a political protest organised by the Campaign for Judicial Purity (CJP) on 10 October. OCI regulations prohibit involvement in political rallies without prior permission. Investigators are gathering video evidence from the Jantar Mantar demonstration and may recommend cancellation of Khan’s OCI card if the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) concurs. Legal experts note that while OCIs enjoy lifetime, multiple-entry visas for most purposes, they do not have the same political rights as Indian citizens. The case puts the spotlight on compliance obligations for the 3.8 million-strong OCI community, many of whom split time between India and overseas assignments. Corporates employing OCI talent should ensure staff understand restrictions on political activity, journalism and missionary work—offences can lead to visa revocation and future entry bans. Immigration lawyers advise OCIs to seek prior MEA clearance before joining public demonstrations, and to carry proof of invitation if attending politically sensitive events for professional reasons such as filming or reporting.
Source: The Times of India
