Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has directed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to provide round-the-clock security to litigant S Vignesh Shishir, who has been pursuing a series of legal cases challenging the citizenship of Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Brij Raj Singh, in an order dated August 28, instructed the Centre to immediately assign a personal security officer (PSO) from the Central Armed Police Forces to Shishir, citing the “constant threats” faced by him due to his legal battle against what it described as a “very powerful individual.”
The Court also issued a notice to the MHA, asking it to file a detailed response to Shishir’s plea for Y-Plus category security cover. The matter has been posted for further hearing on October 9.
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“We are, prima facie, satisfied that the matter requires consideration as the petitioner has been pursuing his cases against a very powerful individual and is facing constant threats and has to appear before the Investigating Officer at Police Station Kotwali, District Raebareli in pursuance of notice issued to him,” the Bench observed.
As an interim measure, the Court directed that Shishir be immediately provided one PSO to ensure his safety while pursuing his ongoing legal cases.
In his petition, Shishir has claimed that he filed a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader holds British citizenship. He also stated that he appeared before the CBI’s Investigating Officer in Delhi on multiple occasions and had submitted documents supporting his claim.
Among the documents presented, Shishir cited company records of M/s Backops Limited, incorporated in the United Kingdom in August 2003. According to him, Gandhi allegedly mentioned his nationality as British and listed his occupation as Director of the company.
Apart from this, Shishir said he has filed a criminal complaint with Raebareli police against Gandhi and was served a notice to appear before the investigating authorities.
The petitioner also told the Court that he filed objections to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s candidature from Wayanad, Kerala, and that since his objections were ignored, he intends to file a writ of quo warranto against her election to Parliament.
Threats and Wider Involvement
Shishir alleged that he has been facing continuous threats because of his legal actions against the Gandhi family. He further stated that he has assisted government agencies in several sensitive cases, including those relating to income tax evasion, money laundering, left-wing extremism, foreign funding of NGOs, election financing irregularities, benami transactions, terror financing, and corruption cases.
Given this background, he sought enhanced security to continue his work without intimidation.
During the hearing, Deputy Solicitor General of India SB Pandey, representing the Union government, acknowledged Shishir’s claim of threats and pointed to the Witness Protection Scheme as a legal framework to ensure his safety.
“The Court may pass an appropriate order for providing security to him to at least pursue his case without fear,” Pandey submitted, while also seeking time to file a counter-affidavit on behalf of the government.
The Bench agreed and directed the MHA to file its response, including the decision on Shishir’s representation for enhanced security. The Court noted that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had forwarded the petitioner’s request to the MHA for consideration.
“In the meantime, respondent nos. 1 to 9 shall ensure that counter affidavit is filed to the writ petition annexing therewith the decision, if any, taken on the representation of the petitioner forwarded by the Office of Hon’ble Prime Minister to the Ministry of Home Affairs i.e. respondent no.1,” the order read.
The case will next be heard on October 9, 2025, when the government is expected to place its affidavit on record, clarifying its stance on Shishir’s request for Y-Plus security.
Shishir appeared in person before the Court, while Deputy Solicitor General SB Pandey, assisted by advocate Anand Dwivedi, represented the Union of India.
The matter has drawn attention not only because of its link to Rahul Gandhi’s alleged foreign citizenship but also due to the High Court’s recognition of the threats faced by an individual pursuing such politically sensitive cases.
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