Lucknow: In a case that could have significant implications for Rahul Gandhi’s membership in the Lok Sabha, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to submit a detailed report by May 5 clarifying whether the Congress leader holds dual citizenship, including British nationality.
The development came during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by S. Vignesh Shishir, a BJP member and lawyer from Karnataka. The petitioner has alleged that Gandhi holds both Indian and British citizenship, which, if proven, would violate Indian law that prohibits dual citizenship and could potentially disqualify him from Parliament.
The MHA had previously informed the court that a representation seeking the cancellation of Gandhi’s Indian citizenship was already under consideration. However, on Monday, when a status report was submitted, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, comprising Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi and Justice Ajai Kumar Srivastava-I, expressed dissatisfaction with the information provided.
The court asked the Union government’s counsel to submit a more detailed report, after the latter requested an additional ten days to revise the filing. The bench granted the extension and scheduled the next hearing for May 5.
Background of the Petition
The PIL, filed in July last year, calls for the cancellation of Rahul Gandhi’s Indian citizenship and his disqualification from the Lok Sabha, citing that only Indian citizens are legally permitted to contest elections in India.
Petitioner Shishir has claimed to possess documentary evidence, including email communications, to support his allegation of Gandhi holding British citizenship. He stated that he had initially approached the Ministry of Home Affairs and other competent authorities, but filed the PIL as a last resort after receiving no response.
Rahul Gandhi, who represents the Rae Bareli constituency in Uttar Pradesh, has yet to respond to the latest court developments.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching political consequences, especially with the general elections approaching and Gandhi playing a central role in the opposition’s campaign.
