The Allahabad High Court on Monday gave the Centre four weeks to make a final decision regarding Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship status. The Lucknow bench, comprising Justices AR Masoodi and Ajay Kumar Srivastava, heard the petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and scheduled April 21 as the next date of hearing, directing the Centre to file a detailed status report on the matter.
The controversy dates back to a 2019 complaint by Swamy to the Union Home Ministry, where he alleged that Gandhi had declared himself a British citizen in documents submitted to British authorities while associated with a company called Backops Limited, registered in the United Kingdom. Swamy argued that this declaration violated both the Indian Constitution and the Citizenship Act, claiming that Indian law does not allow dual citizenship. He asserted that Gandhi’s alleged British citizenship raises questions about his eligibility to serve as a Member of Parliament and hold key public positions.
Swamy pointed to corporate filings from Backops Limited, where Rahul Gandhi was listed as a director and reportedly declared his nationality as British. According to the BJP leader, such a declaration contradicts Gandhi’s status as an Indian citizen and casts doubt on his allegiance to the country. The complaint led to the Union Home Ministry issuing a show-cause notice to Gandhi, asking him to clarify the allegations. However, Swamy informed the court that Gandhi never responded to the notice, and the ministry took no further action on the matter.
During Monday’s hearing, the court instructed the Centre’s counsel to provide an update on the current status of Swamy’s plea and any representations submitted to the ministry. The bench emphasized that it was not adjudicating on the substantive issue of Gandhi’s citizenship yet, but rather focusing on ensuring the government addresses the complaint and follows proper procedure. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, acknowledged the court’s directive and assured that the matter would be reviewed.
This development follows a prior statement from the Centre to the Allahabad High Court, acknowledging that a petition alleging Gandhi’s dual citizenship was under examination. The plea, supported by BJP leader Vignesh Shishir, not only questioned Gandhi’s citizenship but also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry to uncover the truth behind the allegations.
The petitioners have cited emails allegedly obtained from the UK government as part of an earlier inquiry conducted by an individual named VSS Sarma. Sarma reportedly contacted UK authorities in 2022, seeking verification of Gandhi’s citizenship status. While the UK government is said to have confirmed certain details about Backops Limited and Gandhi’s involvement, it declined to provide complete information, citing data protection laws and the lack of an authorization letter from Gandhi himself.
The case has taken on renewed political significance, especially with Rahul Gandhi serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and remaining a central figure in the Congress party’s strategy for upcoming elections. His supporters argue that the allegations are part of a broader effort to discredit him and distract from key national issues. The Congress party has consistently dismissed the accusations, calling them politically motivated and baseless. Senior Congress leaders have reiterated that Gandhi has always been an Indian citizen and has never held foreign nationality.
As the next hearing approaches on April 21, the Centre’s response is expected to draw considerable public and political attention. If the government submits new findings or takes any further action against Gandhi, it could potentially escalate the controversy and intensify the political battle between the BJP and Congress. Meanwhile, legal experts suggest the case could set an important precedent regarding how citizenship disputes involving high-profile public figures are handled in India, especially when international documents and foreign authorities are involved.
The court’s directive adds to the growing list of legal and political challenges faced by Rahul Gandhi, who has also been entangled in defamation cases and parliamentary disqualifications in the past year. With the stakes higher than ever in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, the outcome of this case could influence not only Gandhi’s political future but also the broader narrative surrounding his leadership and credibility within the Congress party.
