Allahabad High Court Orders FIR Against Rahul Gandhi in Dual Citizenship Case

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has directed the registration of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi , the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha , in connection with an alleged dual citizenship controversy , marking a significant legal and political development. The order was passed by Justice Subhash Vidyarthi , who set aside an earlier decision of a special MP/MLA court that had declined to entertain the plea, stating it lacked jurisdiction over citizenship matters. The High Court, however, observed that the allegations warranted a criminal investigation , clarifying that an FIR is only the starting point of legal proceedings and does not establish guilt.

The case originates from a petition filed by S Vignesh Shishir , a BJP worker, who sought action under multiple laws including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita , Official Secrets Act , Foreigners Act , and Passport Act , highlighting the seriousness of the claims. The complaint alleges that Rahul Gandhi may have held foreign citizenship , which would violate Indian law, as the country does not permit dual citizenship . The matter was initially filed in Rae Bareli before being transferred to Lucknow on December 17, 2025 , after which the MP/MLA court dismissed the plea on January 28, 2026 , prompting the petitioner to approach the High Court.

In its observations, the High Court also noted that the state government may seek assistance from a central agency if required, opening the possibility of a wider probe involving national-level investigators. Earlier proceedings reportedly involved in-camera hearings due to the presence of sensitive documents , and the court had sought inputs from the Central Government , suggesting that the case may involve official or even international records. With the FIR now set to be registered, the case will move into the investigation phase , where authorities will gather evidence and determine whether the allegations hold merit.

The development carries significant political implications , given Rahul Gandhi’s position in national politics, and is likely to influence public discourse in the coming months. However, legal experts emphasise that the High Court’s order does not determine guilt but merely enables due process, and the final outcome will depend on documentary evidence and the findings of the investigation.