The Allahabad High Court has directed the Union Home Ministry to decide on a representation questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Indian citizenship by December 19. The representation, filed by petitioner S Vignesh Shishir, seeks a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations that Gandhi holds British citizenship.
A Bench of Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi and Justice Subhash Vidyarthi, during a hearing on November 25, was informed by Deputy Solicitor General of India SB Pandey that the petitioner’s representation is under consideration by the Central government.
“List this matter on 19th of December, 2024. The outcome of the representation shall be apprised to the Court on the next date of listing,” the Bench directed in its interim order.
Allegations and Evidence
The petitioner, Shishir, has cited emails reportedly shared by one VSS Sarma, who claimed to have sought details about Gandhi’s citizenship from the UK government in 2022. According to the petitioner, these emails indicate that Gandhi might hold British citizenship. However, due to the UK’s data protection laws, the authorities refused to provide complete information without a signed letter of authority from Gandhi.
The plea also recalls that a similar petition was withdrawn earlier this year, with the Court granting the petitioner liberty to pursue remedies under the Citizenship Act. Shishir later approached the High Court again after allegedly receiving no response to two representations sent to the Union Home Ministry, seeking the cancellation of Gandhi’s Indian citizenship.
Focus of the Court
The Court clarified that its immediate focus is not on the veracity of the citizenship claims but on the procedural response of the Union government. “The outcome of the representation shall be apprised,” it emphasized.
Broader Implications
A related plea on the same issue, filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy, is pending before the Delhi High Court. The Delhi High Court has indicated that it will proceed only after assessing developments in the Allahabad High Court case.
The December 19 deadline could determine the trajectory of these allegations, with the Centre’s decision potentially influencing further legal proceedings.
