Rahul Gandhi’s dual citizenship allegations under scrutiny, Centre asked to submit report by May 5

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Union Home Ministry to provide a detailed report by May 5 regarding allegations that Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, may hold British citizenship - an issue that could impact his eligibility as a Member of Parliament.

The case arises from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Karnataka-based BJP member and lawyer S. Vignesh Shishir, who alleges that Gandhi holds dual citizenship. Indian law strictly prohibits dual citizenship, and any such finding could have significant implications for Gandhi’s status as the MP from Rae Bareli.

During a previous hearing, the Centre had acknowledged that a request to revoke Gandhi’s citizenship was under review. However, when the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) submitted a status report to the Lucknow bench of the High Court on Monday, the judges - Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi and Justice Ajai Kumar Srivastava - were dissatisfied with the level of detail provided.

In response, the court granted the government’s plea for additional time and instructed that a revised report be submitted before the next hearing, scheduled for May 5.

Shishir, the petitioner, claims to possess documentary evidence, including emails, that allegedly prove Gandhi’s British citizenship. According to him, several attempts were made to alert relevant authorities, including the MHA, but no action was taken. The PIL, filed in July 2023, was presented as a final step after receiving no resolution through official channels.

Shishir has also called for Gandhi’s disqualification from the Lok Sabha, arguing that only Indian citizens are legally permitted to contest parliamentary elections.