The Delhi High Court has directed the central government to clarify its position on the petition seeking the cancellation of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s Indian citizenship. The petition, filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, requests the Home Ministry to take action on Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship status. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela stated that it will consult the government’s lawyer before making any decisions. The court will hear the case again on January 13.
In the previous hearing, BJP leader Vignesh Shishir, the petitioner in this matter, appeared through video conferencing. He stated that he had presented confidential evidence to the CBI related to the case. He also mentioned that the CBI is investigating the matter. The court pointed out that a similar petition is being heard by the Allahabad High Court and advised Subramanian Swamy that it would not be appropriate for two courts to hear the same issue.
Subramanian Swamy Claims Rahul Gandhi Holds British Citizenship
Subramanian Swamy’s petition claims that Rahul Gandhi holds British citizenship and a British passport. Swamy asserts that Rahul Gandhi is a director of Backlops Limited, a company registered in the UK. He further claims that the company filed annual returns for the years 2005 and 2006, showing Rahul Gandhi’s date of birth as June 19, 1970. Swamy believes this evidence supports his argument that Rahul Gandhi holds foreign citizenship.
In August 2019, Swamy wrote to the Home Ministry, expressing concerns that Rahul Gandhi might be a British citizen. Swamy cited Article 9 of the Indian Constitution, which states that anyone acquiring foreign citizenship will lose their Indian citizenship. However, Swamy claims that the Home Ministry has not responded to his concerns in over five years.
CBI Investigation and Legal Precedents
The issue of Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship has been raised repeatedly in the past. The CBI is currently investigating the allegations. Vignesh Shishir, who initially filed the petition in Allahabad High Court, confirmed that he had submitted confidential evidence to the CBI.
This petition by Subramanian Swamy has drawn significant attention, as some political figures continue to question Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship. However, the central government has not yet taken any official action on the matter. The Delhi High Court will continue hearing the case, with the next hearing scheduled for January 2024, when the government is expected to clarify its stance.
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