Allahabad High Court asks Centre to produce files in Rahul Gandhi citizenship case, court to decide on plea seeking FIR registration on March 19
The Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow Bench has sought records from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in connection with a petition questioning the citizenship status of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The court issued an interim direction asking the central government to present relevant documents related to the matter before the next hearing. The case has drawn considerable political and legal attention, as the petition seeks a direction to register a First Information Report over allegations linked to Gandhi’s citizenship.
During the hearing, the bench examined the arguments presented by the petitioner and directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to place the relevant files and documents before the court. The petitioner has alleged that Rahul Gandhi may have held foreign citizenship at some point and has requested an investigation into the matter. The court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the allegations at this stage but has sought official records to review the claims made in the petition.
The case revolves around questions raised regarding alleged links between Rahul Gandhi and a company registered in the United Kingdom in the past. The petitioner claims that certain documents related to the company suggested that Gandhi may have declared himself as a British citizen in official filings. Based on these allegations, the plea urges the court to direct authorities to register an FIR and conduct a proper investigation.
The counsel appearing for the petitioner argued that if the claims are found to be accurate, it could amount to a violation of Indian citizenship laws. According to the petitioner, holding citizenship of another country while being an Indian citizen would raise serious legal questions under the Citizenship Act. The plea therefore requests that law enforcement agencies be directed to investigate the matter thoroughly.
During the proceedings, the court observed that it was necessary to examine official government records before making any decision regarding the request to register an FIR. The bench therefore asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide all relevant documentation concerning the matter. These records are expected to clarify whether the government had previously examined the issue and what conclusions, if any, had been reached.
The court has scheduled the next hearing of the case for March 19. On that date, the bench will review the documents submitted by the central government and determine whether further action is required. The court will also consider the petitioner’s request seeking directions for the registration of an FIR.
Legal experts note that courts typically examine documentary evidence carefully before ordering any criminal investigation in such cases. The High Court’s decision to seek records from the Ministry of Home Affairs indicates that it wants to verify the factual background before proceeding further.
The issue of Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship has surfaced several times in political debates over the years. However, the Congress party has consistently rejected such allegations, stating that Rahul Gandhi is an Indian citizen and that claims suggesting otherwise are politically motivated.
Congress leaders have previously maintained that similar complaints had been examined earlier by government authorities and found to be without merit. They argue that the allegations are repeatedly raised to target the opposition leader and divert attention from political issues.
At present, the High Court has limited its role to reviewing the materials placed before it and has not passed any order regarding the registration of a criminal case. The upcoming hearing on March 19 is expected to be significant, as the court will decide whether further legal proceedings are required based on the documents submitted by the central government.
The development has once again brought the issue into public discussion, highlighting the intersection of law and politics in high-profile cases involving national leaders.
