The High Court has taken a procedural step in a politically sensitive case, bringing the Centre into the proceedings as questions over citizenship claims move forward.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (photo:IANS)
The Allahabad High Court on Thursday directed the petitioner in a case questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship to include the Central government as a party in the proceedings.
The case was heard by a single bench of Justice Rajiv Singh, which allowed the request after reviewing submissions from both sides.
Advertisement
It’s still at a very early stage, as the court hasn’t even decided yet if it will take up the petition.
Advertisement
At the start of the hearing, senior advocate SB Pandey, appearing for the Centre, urged the court to shift proceedings out of open court, citing the sensitive nature of documents received from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The judge agreed and shifted the hearing to his chamber.
Officials from the Home Ministry, including Under Secretary Vivek Mishra and Assistant Section Officer Pranav Rai, came to court with the documents. After examining them, the court returned the documents.
The plea has been filed by S Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker from Karnataka, who has challenged a January 28, 2026, order of a Lucknow court that had declined his request to register an FIR against Gandhi.
The petitioner has alleged that Rahul Gandhi holds dual citizenship and has sought a detailed investigation, along with the registration of a case under various legal provisions.
The court, however, declined the petitioner’s request to treat the matter as “part heard”, noting that it is still at the admission stage.
The next hearing is scheduled for April 6.
Advertisement
