The government today informed the Allahabad High Court that it is currently examining a petition alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi holds dual citizenship. This claim, if verified, could potentially violate Indian laws that prohibit dual nationality. The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 19, where the Union government is expected to provide more detailed updates on the matter.
The petition was filed by advocate and BJP leader Vignesh Shishir, who has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the circumstances surrounding Gandhi’s alleged citizenship status. According to Shishir, evidence suggests that Gandhi might hold British citizenship, which, if accurate, would mean automatic disqualification from holding Indian citizenship. This would, in turn, raise questions about his eligibility to hold public office in India. Shishir’s petition references emails and documents that imply Gandhi’s status as a British national could be in violation of Article 9 of the Indian Constitution. This article explicitly forbids dual citizenship, stating that no person can be a citizen of India and any other country simultaneously.
To lend weight to his allegations, Shishir contacted the UK authorities in 2022, seeking information about Gandhi’s citizenship. Although the UK government confirmed some details, they declined to release comprehensive information, citing privacy and data protection laws. They also pointed out the absence of a signed letter of authority from Gandhi, which they said was necessary to release any personal data. These interactions have become a core part of the petitioner’s evidence, suggesting that there may be grounds for deeper scrutiny.
On November 25, Deputy Solicitor General SB Pandey informed the Allahabad High Court that the Union Home Ministry had received and was in the process of reviewing Shishir’s representation. The court, however, has clarified that its current examination is limited to verifying whether the Home Ministry has adequately responded to the petitioner’s submissions, rather than delving into the specifics of the citizenship allegations themselves. The judges, led by a bench of Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi and Justice Subhash Vidyarthi, emphasized that they are not considering broader claims or demands for an inquiry at this stage.
This is not the first time the issue of Gandhi’s citizenship has surfaced in the legal arena. In July of this year, a similar plea was withdrawn after the court granted the petitioner permission to pursue available remedies under the Citizenship Act. Shishir refiled the petition after claiming that the Union Home Ministry did not adequately respond to his previous submissions. The matter, now under consideration in the Allahabad High Court, has also gained traction in the Delhi High Court, where a comparable petition has been filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. The Delhi High Court has indicated that it will wait for the Allahabad High Court to reach a conclusion before proceeding with its own hearing.
Meanwhile, the petition has sparked a political debate, with Congress leaders dismissing the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated. They argue that the BJP’s persistent focus on this issue is part of a larger effort to distract from pressing matters and discredit Gandhi ahead of upcoming elections. On the other hand, BJP supporters and those who back the petition contend that the questions raised about Gandhi’s citizenship are legitimate and deserving of a full investigation. They assert that the case goes beyond partisan politics and touches on essential questions of legality and transparency concerning those who seek to represent the people of India.
As the December 19 hearing approaches, the Union government is expected to clarify its position and update the Allahabad High Court on the actions taken in response to Shishir's petition. Observers note that any decision on this matter could have significant legal and political implications, potentially setting a precedent for how citizenship laws are interpreted and enforced in India. Additionally, this case could impact the scrutiny that public figures and politicians might face regarding their eligibility for office.
The citizenship controversy is particularly sensitive given Rahul Gandhi’s prominent position as a leading opposition figure and his role in Indian politics. Gandhi, a member of Parliament and a vocal critic of the ruling government has often been the target of legal and political challenges. This latest case adds another layer of complexity to his already high-profile political journey, intensifying the debate over the standards of transparency and eligibility required for holding public office in India.
As the case progresses, the political landscape is expected to see further debates and potentially even rallies or campaigns either supporting or questioning the legitimacy of the claims against Gandhi. The Congress party, meanwhile, may use the opportunity to rally its base, arguing that the case is an example of political vendetta. The BJP, conversely, is likely to frame the situation as a matter of legal accountability and constitutional adherence, underscoring the need to clarify Gandhi’s status for the sake of political transparency.
In the meantime, legal experts are divided on the likely outcome, with some suggesting that the court might dismiss the matter if sufficient evidence is not provided. Others believe the case could proceed to more in-depth hearings if the Union government acknowledges any ambiguity in Gandhi’s citizenship status or if additional information comes to light. The situation remains fluid, and the December 19 hearing is anticipated to be a pivotal moment that could shape the trajectory of the case and its implications for Indian politics.
