Allahabad High Court Directs FIR Registration Against Rahul Gandhi in Citizenship Controversy
A Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has issued a significant directive on Friday, ordering the Uttar Pradesh police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Congress Member of Parliament and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The court action stems from allegations that Gandhi concealed his British citizenship status while incorporating a company in England back in 2003.
Court Finds Prima Facie Evidence of Cognizable Offenses
The bench presided over by Justice Subhash Vidyarthi determined that, based on preliminary examination of the allegations, prima facie cognizable offenses were evident against the Congress leader. This conclusion necessitated a formal investigation into the matter. The court further permitted the Uttar Pradesh state government to transfer the probe to any central investigative agency if deemed appropriate.
The order specifically set aside an earlier decision from January 28, 2025, where a special MP/MLA court in Lucknow had refused to order the registration of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi. The High Court bench noted that the special court should have examined whether the allegations constituted cognizable offenses but failed to conduct this essential legal assessment.
Allegations of Dual Citizenship and Company Registration
The petition, filed by Karnataka BJP worker Vignesh Shishir, alleges that Rahul Gandhi incorporated a company named M/S Backops Ltd in the United Kingdom in August 2003. According to the petitioner's claims, Gandhi voluntarily declared his nationality as British during this incorporation process, providing a Director Identification ID along with addresses in London and Hampshire.
Shishir further contends that Gandhi submitted the company's annual returns in October 2005 and October 2006, consistently listing his nationality as British. The company was eventually dissolved through a dissolution application filed in February 2009.
Legal Proceedings and Government Records
During the court proceedings, Deputy Solicitor General of India SB Pandey presented central government records pertaining to Rahul Gandhi's citizenship controversy. Additionally, government advocate VK Singh, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, concurred that the allegations prima facie established cognizable offenses.
The petitioner has sought FIR registration against Gandhi under multiple legal provisions including:
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- The Official Secrets Act
- The Foreigners Act
- The Passport Act
Case Transfer and Additional Claims
The legal journey of this complaint has seen jurisdictional changes. Initially filed before the special MP/MLA Court in Rae Bareli, the case was transferred to Lucknow on December 17, 2025, following Shishir's own petition. After the Lucknow MP/MLA court rejected the plea on January 28, 2026, the petitioner approached the High Court for relief.
Beyond the company incorporation allegations, the petitioner has presented materials suggesting that Rahul Gandhi may have been registered as a voter in the United Kingdom and potentially participated in electoral processes there, adding another dimension to the citizenship controversy.
The High Court's directive marks a significant development in this long-standing legal matter, potentially opening a new chapter of investigation into the citizenship status of one of India's prominent political figures.
