The Allahabad High Court has directed registration of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi over allegations of holding British citizenship. The petitioner hailed the decision as “landmark” and “historic,” sparking fresh political and legal debate.
The Allahabad High Court on Friday directed that a First Information Report (FIR) be registered against Rahul Gandhi following allegations raised in a petition claiming that he may also hold British citizenship.
The order was passed by the Lucknow Bench of the High Court, which instructed the Kotwali police station in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, to register the FIR. Rahul Gandhi is currently the Member of Parliament from Rae Bareli and also serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The Court issued this direction while allowing a petition that sought legal action on the issue of his alleged dual citizenship.
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The petition was filed by S Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker from Karnataka. He had earlier approached a Special MP/MLA Court in Lucknow seeking registration of an FIR against Gandhi. However, his plea was dismissed by the lower court on January 28. Challenging that decision, Shishir moved the High Court, presenting what he described as documents and “confidential emails” allegedly received from authorities in the United Kingdom, which he claims indicate that Rahul Gandhi is also a British national.
After the High Court passed its order, Shishir took to X (formerly Twitter) and expressed his gratitude to the Court, calling the decision a significant step. He stated, “landmark” and “historic.”
He further wrote,
“I will always be ever indebted till my last breath to the hon’ble court for bringing out the truth in the interest of national security and larger public interest,”
emphasizing that he believes the issue has serious implications for the country.
Shishir also mentioned that the Uttar Pradesh government has requested the High Court to allow the investigation to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), indicating that the matter could be taken up at a central level for deeper scrutiny.
In addition to this, Shishir appealed to the central government to enhance his security cover. He specifically requested that his protection by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) be upgraded to the highest level across India with immediate effect, citing concerns arising from the case.
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The case brings attention to an important constitutional principle. Under the Constitution of India, dual citizenship is not permitted. If any Indian citizen voluntarily acquires citizenship of another country, it can have legal consequences, including disqualification from holding public office, depending on the findings of the investigation.
The High Court’s direction to register an FIR does not establish guilt but initiates a formal investigation process. The outcome of the probe will determine whether there is any legal violation in this matter.
Read the Report On Rahul Gandhi’s British Citizenship
