The Delhi High Court on Thursday instructed the Central government to verify and obtain a copy of a petition regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship, which is currently pending before the Allahabad High Court. The Delhi bench, led by Chief Justice designate Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, emphasized the necessity of coordinating judicial efforts as similar issues are being addressed simultaneously in different courts.
This judicial inquiry aligns with a plea filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who has been actively pursuing the cancellation of Gandhi’s Indian citizenship through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Swamy’s request, presented by advocate Satya Sabharwal, alleges that Gandhi disclosed British nationality to the UK government, which could potentially violate Indian citizenship laws.
During the session, the Centre’s counsel requested additional time to procure the relevant documents from the Allahabad High Court, leading the Delhi High Court to schedule the next hearing for October 9.
Simultaneously, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court is examining a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by BJP worker S Vignesh Shishir from Karnataka, who claims to have uncovered substantial evidence suggesting Gandhi’s possession of British citizenship. This development prompted the Allahabad Court to query the Centre about any actions taken regarding the allegations under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Swamy’s plea in Delhi further asserts that Gandhi’s alleged dual citizenship might contravene Article 9 of the Indian Constitution, combined with the stipulations of the Indian Citizenship Act, potentially stripping him of his Indian citizenship. Swamy criticized the MHA for its lack of responsiveness and failure to act on his repeated representations regarding this matter.
