Relief For Rahul Gandhi As Allahabad HC Stays FIR Direction In Citizenship Row

The Allahabad High Court on Saturday stayed its own direction to register an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a dual citizenship case, a day after issuing the order.

The court said no conclusion can be drawn without first hearing Gandhi, and deferred the FIR for now. The earlier direction, delivered in open court on Friday, has been put on hold. The Case stems from a petition by Vignesh Shishir, who approached the high court after a special MP-MLA court in Lucknow declined to take up the case in January 2026. The plea alleges Gandhi holds British citizenship — a claim that, if proven, would violate Indian law.

The petitioner has invoked provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act, and has also accused Gandhi of obtaining a fake passport and sharing information with foreign entities.

Earlier, Justice Subhash Vidyarthi had observed that the allegations appeared to disclose “prima facie cognizable offences” and had directed that an FIR be registered. However, the final written order has not been issued, and the direction now stands stayed.

The case remains pending, with further hearing expected after all parties are heard.