The Allahabad High Court on Monday directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to decide on a representation concerning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship status by December 19. The decision follows a petition filed by S. Vignesh Shishir, who has raised questions regarding Gandhi’s citizenship and has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the issue.
Shishir’s petition claims that Rahul Gandhi holds citizenship in the United Kingdom. During the proceedings, Deputy Solicitor General of India, SB Pandey, informed the court that the Ministry of Home Affairs had received the petition and that it was currently under consideration. The court has asked the ministry to provide an update on the status of the petition by the next hearing, scheduled for December 19.
Shishir’s plea also refers to a 2022 petition filed by VSS Sarma, who had sought information from the British government regarding Gandhi’s citizenship. In July 2024, the High Court allowed Shishir to withdraw a similar petition, giving him the liberty to seek remedies under the Citizenship Act.
Shishir has since submitted two new representations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, requesting a resolution on his claims and asking for the cancellation of Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship.
In parallel, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy had filed a similar petition in the Delhi High Court. However, the Delhi court decided to wait for clarity from the Allahabad High Court before proceeding with the case.