Rahul Gandhi's Dual Citizenship Controversy: Court Delays FIR Decision

The Allahabad High Court has deferred its decision on whether to file an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi concerning allegations of dual citizenship. The court will examine the necessity of prior notice to the accused before proceeding. This case stems from a petition by a Karnataka-based BJP worker, who claims Gandhi holds UK citizenship and has previously registered a company in the UK. The matter is set to be revisited on April 20, raising significant political implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 18, 2026, 20:23 IST

Court Postpones Decision on FIR Against Rahul Gandhi

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has postponed its ruling regarding the filing of an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, linked to the alleged dual citizenship issue.

The court plans to review whether it was necessary to provide prior notice to the accused before proceeding.

Justice Subhash Vidyarthi's bench had previously indicated that there seemed to be sufficient grounds for cognizable offences against Gandhi, allowing the Uttar Pradesh government to transfer the investigation to a central agency. However, they will first clarify the legal requirements for issuing notice.

This decision follows the bench's discovery of a full court ruling that mandates notice be given to the accused in such cases.

The court remarked that this legal obligation was not highlighted by any counsel during the previous hearing.

The case has been rescheduled for April 20.

This order was prompted by a petition from S Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker from Karnataka.

During the proceedings, Deputy Solicitor General S B Pandey presented documentation from the Centre regarding the citizenship allegations, while state advocate V K Singh argued that the claims indicated cognizable offences.

After deliberation, the bench concluded that the evidence suggested Gandhi may have committed cognizable offences, warranting further investigation.

Shishir's petition claims that Gandhi holds UK citizenship and established a company, M/s Backops Ltd, in August 2003, identifying himself as British.

The petitioner asserts that Gandhi filed annual returns for the company in October 2005 and 2006, listing his nationality as British, and that the company was dissolved in February 2009.

He is seeking the registration of an FIR against Gandhi under various legal provisions, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Passport Act.

Initially, the complaint was lodged with a special MP/MLA court in Rae Bareli but was later moved to Lucknow at the petitioner's request.