Is Rahul Gandhi citizen of two nations? Dual citizenship row creates a petition drama; CBI probe follows

The petitioner has done so even though the same case was withdrawn by Shishir in July 2024. He then submitted two representations to the Union Home Ministry.

By Gaurav Santosh Updated: Nov 26, 2024, 17:54 IST

The controversy surrounding the citizenship status of Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, has resurfaced with a legal petition. S Vignesh Shishir, a Karnataka resident, has filed the petition claiming that Rahul Gandhi possesses dual citizenship and has sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. The petitioner has done so even though the same case was withdrawn by Shishir in July 2024. He then submitted two representations to the Union Home Ministry.

It is for the first time that the crux of the petition is based on the strict dual citizenship laws in India. The Indian law at its simplest states that if a person acquires foreign citizenship, they instantly forfeit their Indian citizenship. The petitioner claims to have documents from the UK government stating Rahul Gandhi's citizenship records carry his name. This, Shishir has claimed, is proof that Rahul Gandhi possesses dual citizenship-a concept strictly forbidden by Indian law.

Responding to the petition, the court has ordered the Additional Solicitor General S.B. Pandey to seek further instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs on the issue and present these in the court's next hearing. The court has set the next date of hearing for December 19, 2024, when it will make clear what decision it has arrived at in the matter.

Shishir's claims have sparked widespread debate, as the legal question of dual citizenship under Indian law continues to be a sensitive and complex issue. The Indian government has yet to officially respond to the allegations made in the petition. If the Home Ministry’s findings confirm the petitioner’s claims, it could lead to significant consequences for Gandhi’s political career.

This case highlights the growing legal challenges that are facing the high and mighty in India. The political analysts and legal experts will closely monitor the outcome of this case. Whether the Home Ministry's probe will be to the rescue of Rahul Gandhi or will further put a spotlight on his citizenship issue is yet to be seen.

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