In a significant development that has stirred political and legal circles, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has directed the Union Home Ministry to provide round-the-clock CRPF security to S Vignesh Shishir, a Karnataka-based BJP worker who has filed multiple legal petitions questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Indian citizenship. The court observed that the “matter requires consideration” and acknowledged the threats faced by the petitioner due to his ongoing legal actions against “very powerful individuals.”
The interim order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Brij Raj Singh on August 28, 2025, in response to Shishir’s writ petition seeking personal security and protection under the Witness Protection Scheme.
🧭 Timeline of Legal Proceedings and Court Orders
| Date | Event Description | Location/Authority |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | Complaint filed with CBI against Rahul Gandhi | CBI Special Crime Branch |
| July 2024 | Representation sent to PMO seeking security | Prime Minister’s Office |
| July 2025 | Follow-up representation to MHA | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| August 19, 2025 | Notice issued by Raebareli Police to appear | Kotwali Police Station |
| August 28, 2025 | HC orders CRPF security for petitioner | Allahabad High Court |
| October 9, 2025 | Next hearing scheduled | Lucknow Bench |
The petitioner has appeared before the CBI and Raebareli police multiple times, submitting documents and evidence related to Rahul Gandhi’s alleged British citizenship.
📊 Key Allegations Made by Petitioner
| Allegation | Details Provided by Petitioner | Supporting Evidence Submitted |
|---|---|---|
| Rahul Gandhi’s British Citizenship | Claims Gandhi declared UK nationality in company records | Documents from UK’s Companies House |
| Backops Limited Directorship | Gandhi listed as Director since 2003 | Address: 2 Frognal Way, London NW3 6XE |
| Election Misrepresentation | Alleged suppression of foreign citizenship | Complaint filed with CBI |
| Priyanka Gandhi’s Candidature | Filed objections in Wayanad by-election | Preparing writ of quo warranto |
Shishir has also lodged a criminal complaint under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Passports Act, 1967, seeking FIR registration against Rahul Gandhi.
🔍 Court’s Observations and Interim Relief
The High Court noted that the petitioner is pursuing cases against high-profile politicians and is facing “palpable threats and coercion.” The bench stated:
“We are, prima facie, satisfied that the matter requires consideration as the petitioner has been pursuing his cases against a very powerful individual and is facing constant threats and has to appear before the Investigating Officer at Police Station Kotwali, District Raebareli in pursuance of notice issued to him.”
Accordingly, the court directed the Union of India to provide one Personal Security Officer (PSO) from the Central Armed Police Forces to Shishir on a 24×7 basis.
🔥 Political Reactions and Legal Implications
| Stakeholder | Reaction Summary | Tone/Position |
|---|---|---|
| BJP Karnataka Unit | “Justice for whistleblower” | Supportive of petitioner |
| Congress Party | No official response yet | Silent on allegations |
| Legal Experts | “Court has rightly prioritized safety” | Cautiously supportive |
| Civil Liberties Groups | “Security must not suppress dissent” | Neutral, calls for transparency |
The case has reignited debates over Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship status, a topic that has surfaced intermittently since 2019 but never reached legal closure.
📉 Background: Citizenship Controversy and Political Fallout
The controversy dates back to documents submitted to the UK’s Companies House, where Rahul Gandhi was allegedly listed as a British national in filings related to Backops Limited. Though Gandhi has denied the claims, the matter has been repeatedly raised by BJP leaders and activists.
| Year | Event Description | Outcome/Response |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Backops Limited incorporated in UK | Gandhi listed as Director |
| 2015 | Subramanian Swamy raises citizenship issue | No formal investigation initiated |
| 2019 | MHA seeks clarification from Gandhi | Gandhi denies foreign citizenship |
| 2024 | Shishir files complaint with CBI | Investigation underway |
| 2025 | HC orders security for petitioner | Legal proceedings continue |
The petitioner claims to have submitted photographs, videos, and correspondence with UK authorities to support his case.
🧠 Expert Opinions on Witness Protection and Legal Precedent
| Expert Name | Designation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Advocate R. Mehta | Constitutional Lawyer | “Security is justified if threats are real.” |
| Prof. Meera Iyer | Public Policy Analyst | “Court’s intervention sets a strong precedent.” |
| Dr. Sandeep Shastri | Political Scientist | “The case reflects deep polarization.” |
Experts agree that the court’s decision to prioritize the petitioner’s safety is in line with the principles of natural justice and the Witness Protection Scheme.
📌 Conclusion
The Allahabad High Court’s directive to provide CRPF security to S Vignesh Shishir marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle over Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship. As the petitioner continues to pursue his case amid alleged threats and coercion, the court’s interim order underscores the importance of safeguarding individuals who challenge powerful figures.
With the next hearing scheduled for October 9, the case is likely to attract further scrutiny and political attention. Whether the allegations lead to substantive legal action or remain a point of contention in public discourse, the court’s observation that the “matter requires consideration” has already shifted the narrative.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 30, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, political, or investigative advice.
