Desk Correspondent , Lucknow - On Friday, 17 April Allahabad High Court bench direct the Uttar Pradesh government to lodge an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding his citizenship. The HC bench led by Justice Subhash Vidyarthi passed an order allowing a petition by Karnataka-based Bharatiya Janata Party worker S Vignesh Shishir, who sought registration of the FIR along with a detailed investigation. The high court overturned the Special MP-MLA Court’s rejection of the plea on January 28, 2026, which had cited lack of jurisdiction. Assistant Solicitor General SB Pandey, representing the Union government, confirmed the directive in court and noted that central agencies may also probe the foreign citizenship issue under relevant laws including the Indian Penal Code, Official Secrets Act, Foreigners Act, and Passport Act.

The petition originated in the Special MP-MLA Court in Rae Bareli, Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha constituency, before being transferred to the Lucknow bench on December 17, 2025, at the petitioner's request. Shishir accused the Congress MP of possessing British citizenship while holding public office, demanding action that could effect his eligibility a parliamentarian. Those present during the heading included the petitioner Shishir, state government advocate VK Singh, and Union government advocate Anand Dwivedi. The detailed order is yet to be uploaded on the high count's website, leaving the exact scope of the investigation is unclear for now.

This ruling revives long-standing citizenship security faced by prominent politicians like Rahul Gandhi, who represents Rae Bareli and has been a key opposition figure. The lower court's earlier dismissal on jurisdictional grounds caused the high court appeal, highlighting debates over constitutional bars on dual citizenship for elected representatives in India. If the FIR leads to charges and is substantiated, it could trigger serious legal and political repercussions, escalating tensions in Uttar Pradesh and influencing national opposition dynamics ahead of future polls.