Somaiya, in a post on X, said he has written to the joint commissioner of police, Manoj Kumar Sharma , seeking action against Khan for participating in the protest despite being a foreign citizen. Mumbai: Actor Imran Khan ’s participation in the August Kranti Maidan protest has stirred up a controversy with BJP politician Kirit Somaiya questioning how a foreign citizen can participate in a protest in India. TOI tried to reach Khan following Somaiya’s post, but he was not available for comment.
He cited Article 19 of Indian Constitution which gives a fundamental right to assemble and free speech to citizens of India.
Imran Khan, speaking to the media moments before being detained, said, “I am here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city. Civil rights activist and senior counsel Mihir Desai said a foreigner would not have the same “fundamental right” under the Indian Constitution to protest in India against Indian policies, but he would have a “restricted right to protest”. I am here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted, why are people’s voices being repressed.