Allahabad HC seeks Centre’s response in petition over Rahul Gandhi’s dual citizenship

Plea seeks cancellation of Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship, Centre to file reply

The Allahabad High Court today directed the Centre to respond to a petition alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi holds dual citizenship, following a plea filed by BJP leader Vignesh Shishir. The case will be heard next on December 19. The petitioner has raised concerns over Gandhi’s British citizenship, citing emails allegedly obtained from the UK government.

The petition claims that these emails, which were part of an earlier inquiry made by individual VSS Sarma in 2022, suggest that Gandhi may hold British citizenship.

Although the UK government confirmed some details, it did not fully disclose information due to data protection laws and the absence of a signed authority from Gandhi.

The petitioner further argues that if Gandhi indeed holds British citizenship, it could disqualify him from holding Indian citizenship under Article 9 of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits dual citizenship. In response to the petition, Deputy Solicitor General S B Pandey informed the court that the Union Home Ministry is currently reviewing the case.

While the Allahabad High Court is examining the matter, another similar petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. However, the Delhi court has indicated it will wait for the outcome of the Allahabad High Court’s proceedings before moving forward with its own hearing.

The current petition follows a previous case filed in July that was withdrawn after the court allowed the petitioner to seek remedies under the Citizenship Act. This new petition was filed after the petitioner reportedly failed to receive responses to earlier representations sent to the Union Home Ministry.

As per Article 9 of the Indian Constitution, no individual can simultaneously hold Indian citizenship and that of another country. While the petition is under consideration in the Allahabad High Court, a similar plea has also been filed in the Delhi High Court by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.

The Delhi court has indicated that it will hear the case after the Allahabad High Court proceedings reach a conclusion. The next hearing in the Allahabad High Court is scheduled for December 19, when the Union government is expected to provide updates on the representations filed by the petitioner and its stance on the allegations.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post Allahabad HC seeks Centre’s response in petition over Rahul Gandhi’s dual citizenship appeared first on PGurus.