MUMBAI: Actor Imran Khan’s ‘Leave India’ notice following his participation in a Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest in Mumbai has brought renewed attention to previous cases involving foreign nationals of Indian origin who have faced deportation, cancellation of their Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status or restrictions on their activities in India.The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) has directed Khan, a US citizen and OCI cardholder, to leave India by October 28 under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. His lawyer has said that he will challenge the order in the Bombay high court.Khan’s case comes amid previous instances involving academics and journalists who faced action over their activities in India or alleged violations of OCI conditions.Some Controversial CasesNitasha Kaul deported from BengaluruIn February 2024, UK-based academic Nitasha Kaul, an OCI cardholder, was denied entry into India and deported from Bengaluru airport. She had travelled to attend a conference on the Constitution and national unity organised by the Karnataka government.Government sources cited her alleged pro-separatist comments and criticism of India’s position on Kashmir as reasons for the action. Kaul said her travel documents, including her OCI card, were valid.Aatish Taseer’s OCI status cancelledIn November 2019, the Centre cancelled the OCI status of writer Aatish Taseer, stating that he had failed to disclose that his late father, Salman Taseer, was of Pakistani origin. The Union home ministry said Taseer had been given an opportunity to respond to the notice but had failed to contest it.The cancellation came months after Taseer published an article critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Time magazine. The government cited the disclosure issue as the basis for its decision.Ashok Swain’s OCI cancellation challenged in courtSweden-based academic Ashok Swain also faced the cancellation of his OCI status. The Centre cancelled his card in February 2022, citing alleged activities that warranted action under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Swain challenged the decision, arguing that he was being targeted for criticising government policies.In March 2025, the Delhi high court set aside an order cancelling his OCI card, observing that the authorities had not adequately explained their decision. The court left the Centre free to issue a fresh show-cause notice and pass a reasoned order.Vanessa Dougnac faced action over journalistic workFrench journalist Vanessa Dougnac, who had lived and worked in India for more than two decades, faced proceedings in 2024 after the home ministry questioned her journalistic activities and issued a notice seeking an explanation as to why her OCI status should not be cancelled.The notice alleged that her reporting created a biased perception of India. Dougnac challenged restrictions on her journalistic activities in court and said she was being forced to leave the country.What OCI status meansIndia does not permit dual citizenship. The OCI scheme, introduced under the Citizenship Act, 1955, provides eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin with certain long-term residency and travel privileges. Despite the name, OCI status does not confer Indian citizenship.OCI cardholders enjoy benefits such as a lifelong, multiple-entry visa, subject to applicable rules and conditions. However, they cannot vote in elections, contest elections or hold certain constitutional and public offices. Restrictions also apply to the purchase of agricultural land, farmhouses and plantation properties.What the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, providesThe Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, empowers the Centre to regulate the entry, stay and departure of foreign nationals. Section 7 provides for directions and conditions concerning their presence in India, while Section 29 deals with the removal of foreigners in circumstances covered by the law, including violations of the Act or related orders and adverse security reports.Such provisions may form the legal basis for notices directing foreign nationals to leave India. However, the grounds for action can vary from case to case, and some decisions may be challenged in court.Khan’s case has brought renewed attention to the limits of OCI privileges, the conditions governing foreign nationals’ activities in India and their legal options for challenging immigration decisions.
