Image: X/@INCIndia via PTI
The Allahabad High Court recently asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate a complaint alleging that Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was in possession of disproportionate assets and inform the court of any developments.
A division bench comprising Justices Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Zafeer Ahmad gave the directions to the central agencies on May 12 while hearing a criminal petition filed by S. Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker from Karnataka.
Mr. Shishir had also approached this court in the past seeking an inquiry into Mr. Gandhi’s alleged British citizenship. The Supreme Court had ordered the registration of an FIR on his complaint last month, but on the same day quashed the orders, saying Mr Gandhi had not been given an opportunity to be heard.
During the hearing of this complaint, the CBI counsel informed the court that the agency has received the complaint and will record its reply within eight weeks. The legal representative gave a similar answer.
Therefore, the court said that the allegations should be reviewed in accordance with due process of law. He added that agencies are free to take any step permitted by law.
All parties, including those recently added to the proceedings, were asked to submit their responses within eight weeks, and that an updated status of the complaint be included in these submissions.
The petitioner, who appeared in person, sought to implead several government departments as parties in the matter, including the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. After considering the reasons presented, the court granted the request.
Counsel for the Central Government informed the Bench that the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) had passed oral directions and sought further time to file a counter-affidavit regarding the issues raised in the petition.
On the issue of maintainability of the prayers of the petition, the petitioner cited legal precedents which held that the reliefs sought can be sought by writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution. The bench said the issue will be reviewed after the replies and rejoinders of all the parties are filed.
The court further directed that the documents produced by the petitioner be kept in a sealed container in accordance with the earlier order.
The next hearing of the case is scheduled for July 20.
Published – 14 May 2026 23:02 IST
