In a significant legal development, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed a petition challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship, which alleged that he held dual citizenship, specifically British nationality. The court's decision brings an end to the prolonged legal battle that had attracted widespread attention.

The petition was filed by S. Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker from Karnataka, who contended that Rahul Gandhi had concealed his British citizenship during the 2024 Parliamentary elections. Shishir presented documents and communications, including emails with the UK government, to support his claims. He argued that under Indian law, dual citizenship is not permitted, and acquiring foreign nationality results in the automatic loss of Indian citizenship

While dismissing the petition, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Home Affairs' handling of the matter. The bench noted that the ministry had failed to provide a comprehensive status report, which led to delays in resolving the issue. The court's criticism highlights concerns over the government's responsiveness in addressing such serious allegations .

This case is part of a series of legal challenges concerning Rahul Gandhi's citizenship status. In 2019, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a petition alleging that Gandhi had declared himself a British citizen in official documents submitted to the UK government. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a show-cause notice to Gandhi, but no further action was taken, leading to questions about the government's commitment to resolving the issue .

The dismissal of the petition has political ramifications. Supporters of Rahul Gandhi view the court's decision as a vindication of his position, while critics argue that the government's inaction has allowed the controversy to persist without resolution. The case underscores the intersection of law and politics in matters of national importance.

The Allahabad High Court's decision to dismiss the dual citizenship petition against Rahul Gandhi concludes a significant chapter in the ongoing legal scrutiny of his citizenship status. The court's criticism of the Ministry of Home Affairs serves as a reminder of the importance of timely and transparent government action in addressing public concerns.