In a relief to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the Allahabad High Court not to proceed with a case alleging that he possessed disproportionate assets. The top court also restrained the CBI and Enforcement Directorate from filing any report in pursuance of directions issued by the high court in the matter.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notices to Karnataka resident S Vignesh Shishir, who filed the plea before the high court, as well as the CBI and ED. The bench directed the high court to defer its next hearing until the Supreme Court takes up the matter.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Gandhi, strongly challenged the proceedings, calling them a “witch-hunt process” and questioning Shishir’s locus to approach the high court. He also alleged that the petitioner had not disclosed his credentials.
“This is absolutely unknown to law. This is a witch-hunt process which is not recognised by law. This is most unfortunate. Attempts after attempt are being made by this very petitioner,” Sibal told the bench.
He also questioned the CBI’s role, saying the agency had so far only verified the complaint, and argued that even if the allegations were factually correct, the manner in which the proceedings were being pursued raised serious concerns.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the central probe agencies, said the CBI and ED had not played any role in the proceedings so far. He submitted that if the complaint disclosed cognisable offences, the allegations would be serious.
The Chief Justice, however, observed that the court was concerned with whether the principles of natural justice had been followed before directions were issued to the agencies.
“If the court wants to issue a direction, it is expected to follow the principle of natural justice,” he said.
Shishir, who appeared virtually, opposed Gandhi’s plea and argued that the proceedings were at a pre-FIR stage, where the accused had no right to be heard.
Justice Bagchi questioned why the probe agencies had not acted on their own if they considered the allegations serious.
“If it is so serious, why has your agency kept quiet? Do you need direction from the court? Have you taken any suo motu action?” Justice Bagchi asked the law officer.
The matter stems from a July 20 order of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, which expressed dissatisfaction with a CBI response and directed a senior agency officer to file a fresh affidavit detailing the progress of its enquiry into allegations concerning Gandhi’s alleged dual citizenship.
– Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Aug 17, 2026 13:36 IST
