Allahabad High Court Stays FIR Order Against Rahul Gandhi In Dual Citizenship Case

The court observed that no final conclusion could be reached without first giving Rahul Gandhi an opportunity to present his case.

Congress leader and LoP Rahul Gandhi. (Image: PTI/File)

A day after directing the registration of an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a dual citizenship case, the Allahabad High Court on Saturday stayed its own order.

The court observed that no final conclusion can be reached without first giving Rahul Gandhi an opportunity to present his case. As a result, the earlier direction issued in open court on Friday has been put on hold, and the registration of an FIR has been deferred for now.

The case arises from a petition filed by Vignesh Shishir, a BJP member from Karnataka. He approached the high court after a special MP-MLA court in Lucknow declined to take up the matter in January 2026. The petition alleges that Gandhi holds British citizenship, which, if proven, would be in violation of Indian law.

According to the plea, the alleged offences may attract provisions under multiple laws, including the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act. The petitioner has also accused Gandhi of sharing information with foreign entities and obtaining a fake passport.

Earlier, Justice Subhash Vidyarthi had noted that the allegations appeared to disclose “prima facie cognizable offences” and had initially directed the registration of an FIR. However, the final signed order has since been withheld.

Speaking to ANI, petitioner Vignesh Shishir described the earlier direction as significant. “The Allahabad High Court at Lucknow Bench has given a very landmark judgment and order directing the registration of FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Raebareli constituency as well as Leader of the Opposition, Lok Sabha, with regard to his British nationality case. The High Court has prima facie found that Rahul Gandhi is possessing British nationality and it is illegal as per the Constitution of India, as per the Citizenship Act and the Foreigners Act for any foreign citizen to possess Indian nationality.”

He further added, “As well as at the same time, he has contested elections several times as MP from Raebareli, from Wayanad as well as from Amethi, which is a criminal offence, and the High Court has directed registration of FIR under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as the Passport Act,” he said.

The matter remains pending before the court, with further proceedings expected after all parties are heard.

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