Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons petitioner Vignesh Shishir in the Rahul Gandhi citizenship row over alleged British nationality, intensifying the political and legal controversy in India.
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NEW DELHI: The citizenship row surrounding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reignited after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned BJP member S. Vignesh Shishir in connection with his Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Allahabad High Court.
Shishir has alleged that Gandhi once declared himself a British citizen while serving as a director of a UK-based company, a claim that, if proven, could disqualify him as a Member of Parliament. The ED’s intervention under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) adds a new dimension to this politically sensitive case.
According to Shishir, the ED has directed him to appear before the central agency in New Delhi on September 9. He has been asked to submit all relevant documents and evidence connected to his allegations.
The probe reportedly falls under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), suggesting that investigators are looking into potential financial transactions, foreign income, or undeclared assets linked to the issue.
High Court’s Intervention: Security for Shishir
The Allahabad High Court has taken serious note of the petitioner’s safety concerns. In an order dated August 28, the Division Bench of Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Brij Raj Singh directed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to assign round-the-clock security to Shishir.
The court emphasized that he is contesting a case against a “very powerful individual” and has been facing constant threats, thereby necessitating protection. A personal security officer (PSO) from the Central Armed Police Forces has been assigned to him.
Allegations Against Rahul Gandhi
The crux of Shishir’s PIL revolves around claims that Rahul Gandhi declared himself a British citizen while serving as a director and company secretary in a UK-based firm, Backops Limited (Company Number: 4874597).
Shishir furnished documents before the court, including the company’s registration certificate (barcode N04874597A, dated 21/08/2003), which allegedly lists Gandhi’s details. According to the petitioner, this disclosure of British nationality at the UK’s Companies House undermines Gandhi’s eligibility to serve as an elected representative in India.
Also Read: BREAKING |Allahabad High Court Dismisses PIL Claiming Rahul Gandhi Has Dual Citizenship
Court’s Direction to Centre
Alongside granting protection to Shishir, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Union Government to formally approach the UK authorities to verify the authenticity of the allegations. This judicial step adds another layer of seriousness to the long-debated issue.
Read the Report On Rahul Gandhi’s British Citizenship
