Rahul Gandhi dual citizenship complaint: Allahabad High Court orders FIR, allows central agency probe

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court ordered an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over an alleged dual citizenship controversy. The court said Uttar Pradesh may transfer the investigation to a central probe agency after registration. The order followed a petition challenging a special MP/MLA court decision declining to rule on citizenship issues.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday directed police to register an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. The order relates to allegations about dual citizenship. The bench also allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to move the investigation to any central agency. This transfer could take place after the FIR is filed.

Justice Subhash Vidyarthi passed the order while hearing a petition by S Vignesh Shishir. Shishir challenged a January 28 order of a special MP/MLA court. That court had refused to order an FIR against Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi is the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Rahul Gandhi dual citizenship case: why the High Court ordered an FIR

The High Court said the allegations showed prima facie cognisable offences against Gandhi. The bench held that such claims needed investigation. It also said the special court should have checked if a cognisable offence was made out. The bench found the special court did not assess that issue properly.

The plea asked for an FIR and a detailed probe into the claims. Shishir, described as a BJP worker from Karnataka, cited multiple laws. These included the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS, the Official Secrets Act, the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act. The petition alleged wrongdoing linked to citizenship status.

Rahul Gandhi dual citizenship case: claims about UK records and a company

Shishir alleged that Rahul is a UK Citizen and incorporated a company named M/S Backops Ltd in August 2003. The petition said Gandhi declared British nationality and gave London and Hampshire addresses. It also mentioned a Director Identification ID. Shishir claimed annual returns were filed in October 2005 and October 2006.

The petition further stated the company ended later. It said the firm was dissolved through a dissolution application in February 2009. Shishir also claimed court material included records suggesting Gandhi may have been listed as a voter. The petition added that Gandhi may have taken part in elections in the United Kingdom.

Rahul Gandhi dual citizenship case: hearings, government records, and next steps

During hearings, Deputy Solicitor General of India SB Pandey produced central government records. These records related to the citizenship controversy around Gandhi. Government counsel VK Singh also gave consent for Uttar Pradesh. VK Singh said the claims prima facie showed cognisable offences.

The court said it held a detailed hearing and reviewed the material on record. It then stated the records indicated cognisable offences tied to dual citizenship claims. The High Court earlier directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to submit relevant files. This included classified documents, as part of the court’s review.

The complaint first went before the special MP/MLA court in Rae Bareli. On the petitioner’s request, the High Court shifted the case to Lucknow on December 17, 2025. The MP/MLA court in Lucknow dismissed the plea on January 28, 2026. Shishir then returned to the High Court, which has now ordered the FIR.

With inputs from PTI