Government to Examine Petition Alleging Rahul Gandhi Holds Dual Citizenship

The government informed the Allahabad High Court today that it is reviewing a petition alleging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi holds dual citizenship, including British nationality. The case, filed by BJP leader and advocate Vignesh Shishir, will be heard next on December 19. The petition is based on emails purportedly obtained from the UK government, which the petitioner claims suggest Gandhi’s possession of British citizenship, potentially violating Indian law, which prohibits dual nationality.

The petitioner, Vignesh Shishir, has requested a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Gandhi’s citizenship. He claims that a 2022 inquiry by another individual, VSS Sarma, led to the discovery of email exchanges with UK authorities. While the UK government acknowledged some details, it cited data protection laws and the absence of a signed letter of authority from Gandhi as reasons for withholding complete information. The Union Home Ministry is currently processing the petitioner’s representation, with the court requesting an update at the next hearing.

While the petition in Allahabad High Court is ongoing, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has also filed a similar plea in the Delhi High Court. The Delhi court has indicated that it will consider the case after the Allahabad High Court proceedings are concluded. The central issue remains whether Gandhi’s alleged British citizenship disqualifies him from holding Indian citizenship under Article 9 of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits dual nationality.

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