Allahabad HC Directs Agencies to Reply in Rahul Gandhi Disproportionate Assets Case

Heightening tensions in political corridors, the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court has summoned replies from CBI, ED, SFIO, and related authorities within eight weeks concerning a plea accusing Rahul Gandhi of possessing assets beyond his known income sources.

The order came from a division bench of Justices Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Zafar Ahmad, addressing the criminal writ by S Vignesh Shishir, a BJP karyakarta from Karnataka who argued his case in chambers.

CBI counsel, armed with May 11 missive, confirmed complaint in hand and pledged timely response. ED’s advocate, citing May 9 communique, signaled proactive stance on laundering probes.

The court cataloged these positions, insisting on lawful scrutiny of allegations upon receipt. It reiterated statutory powers for investigative measures.

Petitioner’s bid to join Union government entities—Personnel & Training Dept, Finance’s Revenue wing, Corporate Affairs Ministry—succeeded. All respondents must counter-file affidavits with progress reports in eight weeks.

Submitted materials remain enveloped and secured with the senior registrar. July 20 marks the adjourned date for in-chamber review.

On May 6, initial hearings led to sealing directives and response timelines.

Shishir, no stranger to such litigation, had earlier prompted a now-overturned UP Police directive on Gandhi’s citizenship duality. Justice Subhash Vidyarthi, recusing post-order, mandated preemptive hearing for the subject.

This latest judicial nudge places Gandhi’s financial transparency under the microscope, amid his pivotal opposition role. With deadlines ticking, expect detailed agency disclosures that could influence public and political discourse profoundly.