FIR against Rahul Gandhi: HC orders probe into dual citizenship case

Allahabad HC has ordered the registration of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi in a dual citizenship case. Petitioner Vignesh Shishir called it a 'landmark judgment', adding the court prima facie found Gandhi possesses illegal British nationality.

Following the Allahabad High Court's order directing registration of an FIR against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the alleged dual citizenship case, petitioner Vignesh Shishir on Friday described the ruling as a "landmark judgment" and said the court has ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.

Speaking to ANI, Shishir said, "The Allahabad High Court at Lucknow Bench has given a very landmark judgment and order directing the registration of FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Raebareli constituency as well as Leader of the Opposition, Lok Sabha, with regard to his British nationality case."

Court's Prima Facie Findings

He further stated, "The High Court has prima facie found that Rahul Gandhi is possessing British nationality and it is illegal as per the Constitution of India, as per the Citizenship Act and the Foreigners Act for any foreign citizen to possess Indian nationality."

Shishir added that the court has taken note of Rahul Gandhi's electoral history as well. "As well as at the same time, he has contested elections several times as MP from Raebareli, from Wayanad as well as from Amethi, which is a criminal offence, and the High Court has directed registration of FIR under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as the Passport Act," he said.

Central Agency Probe Likely

He further said that the matter may require a wider investigation due to its international aspects. "The standing counsel for Uttar Pradesh government Dr. V.K. Singh, mentioned that since the matter involves various countries and different international jurisdictions, the investigation should be conducted by a central investigating agency," Shishir said.

He also added, "The High Court has permitted and allowed the investigation to be conducted by any central investigating agency."

The High Court's order has now directed the matter for investigation, including consideration of a central agency probe, as per submissions made during the hearing.

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