LUCKNOW: In an important development, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on April 17 directed the registration of an FIR and a formal investigation against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in connection with allegations regarding his citizenship.
The order was passed by Justice Subhash Vidyarthi while hearing a petition that challenged an earlier decision of a Lucknow court, which had refused to direct the filing of an FIR. The High Court has now set aside that decision, stating that the matter requires proper investigation. A detailed written order from the court is still awaited.
The petition was filed by Vignesh Shishir, who alleged that Rahul Gandhi had declared himself a British citizen in official documents related to a company registered in the United Kingdom. According to the petitioner, Gandhi was associated with a company named Backops Ltd., which was incorporated in August 2003.
It has been claimed that in documents filed for the company, Gandhi mentioned his nationality as British and provided addresses in London and Hampshire. The petitioner further alleged that annual returns submitted in 2005 and 2006 also reflected the same nationality details. The company was later dissolved in 2009.
The petition also pointed out that during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi had disclosed ownership of the company and a foreign bank account in the UK. Based on these details, the petitioner argued that serious legal provisions could apply, including those under the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act.
Following these submissions, the High Court directed that an FIR be registered and the matter be investigated thoroughly. The court’s order effectively reopens the issue and brings renewed legal scrutiny on the Congress leader.
Sharing the details of his petition with Organiser, Vignesh Shishir had stated that , “The Present Petition 673/2026 sought quashing of order passed by Special MP MLA Magistrate on 28/01/2026 rejecting request for directing Kotwali Police Station to Register the FIR against Rahul Gandhi and Mainly Seeking Hon’ble High Court for Registration of First Information Report Against Shri. Rahul Gandhi, MP Rae Bareli and Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha.
FIR is Sought to be registered against Shri. Rahul Gandhi under sections 318, 335, 340, 236, 237, 61, 148, 147, 152, 238, 336(3), 351 and under section 3, 5 & 6 of official secrets act, 1923 and under section 12 & 13 of passports Act, 1967 and under section 14(B) and 14(C) of Foreigners Act, 1946 at Kotwali Police Station, Rae Bareli District, Uttar Pradesh State.
Petitioner Vignesh Shishir has also urged the ministry of home affairs to step up his security in wake of the threats that he was facing while contesting the case.
As of now, there has been no immediate response from Rahul Gandhi or the Congress party regarding the High Court’s direction. The case is expected to develop further once the detailed order is released and the investigation begins.
