‘Probe Needed’: Allahabad HC Steps In On Rahul Gandhi's Dual Citizenship Allegations

The court observed that the claims made against Gandhi required examination and asked the state government to take appropriate steps to probe the matter.

By : Sagarika Chakraborty | Updated at : 17 Apr 2026 05:31 PM (IST)

‘Probe Needed’: Allahabad HC Steps In On Rahul Gandhi's Dual Citizenship Allegations ‘Probe Needed’: Allahabad HC Steps In On Rahul Gandhi's Dual Citizenship Allegations

The complaint was initially filed before a special MP/MLA court in Rae Bareli. On December 17, 2025, the high court transferred the matter to Lucknow.

Source : ANI

Show Quick Read

Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

Allahabad High Court ordered inquiry into Rahul Gandhi's dual citizenship.
Court directed UP government to investigate or refer to central agency.
Petition challenges lower court's rejection of FIR against Gandhi.

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday said that allegations regarding dual citizenship against Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi warrant an inquiry, directing the Uttar Pradesh government to either conduct the investigation itself or refer the matter to a central agency.

Court Directs Inquiry Into Allegations

The court observed that the claims made against Gandhi required examination and asked the state government to take appropriate steps to probe the matter.

Petition Challenges Lower Court Order

The directive came on a petition filed by S Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker, who challenged a January 28 order of a special MP/MLA court in Lucknow.

The lower court had rejected his plea seeking registration of an FIR against Gandhi, stating that it was not competent to decide issues relating to citizenship.

Allegations Cited In Petition

The petitioner, a resident of Karnataka, sought an FIR and a detailed investigation, invoking provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Official Secrets Act, the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act.

He claimed to possess documents and emails from the British government that allegedly prove Gandhi is a British citizen, arguing that this would render him ineligible to contest elections in India or hold the office of a Lok Sabha member.

Case History

The complaint was initially filed before a special MP/MLA court in Rae Bareli. On December 17, 2025, the high court transferred the matter to Lucknow.

Following the dismissal of his plea by the Lucknow court, the petitioner approached the high court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the Allahabad High Court direct regarding Rahul Gandhi?

The court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to inquire into allegations of dual citizenship against Rahul Gandhi, either by conducting the investigation itself or referring it to a central agency.

What was the basis of the petition filed against Rahul Gandhi?

The petitioner claimed to possess documents and emails from the British government allegedly proving Rahul Gandhi is a British citizen, which would make him ineligible to contest elections or hold office in India.

Why did the special MP/MLA court in Lucknow reject the initial plea?

The special MP/MLA court rejected the plea because it deemed itself not competent to decide issues relating to citizenship.

What laws were invoked in the petition against Rahul Gandhi?

The petition invoked provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Official Secrets Act, the Foreigners Act, and the Passport Act.

About the author Sagarika Chakraborty

Sagarika Chakraborty is a Senior Copy Editor at ABP Live English, where she handles business coverage and key developments in general news, while also actively chasing breaking stories. With a foundation in advertising, she transitioned into journalism to craft in-depth stories and explainers on the economy, real estate, and personal finance. She also engages in interviews and podcasts, bringing out expert insights.

For any tips and queries, you can reach out to her at sagarikac@abpnetwork.com.