The Allahabad High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a new affidavit clarifying the status of its investigation into allegations that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi holds assets disproportionate to his known income sources. The Division Bench, comprised of Justice Brij Raj Singh and Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan, expressed that the previous affidavit submitted by the CBI lacked clarity regarding the investigation’s progress.
This order came about as the Court reviewed a petition filed by BJP worker S Vignesh Shishir, requesting an investigation by central agencies into the accusations against Rahul Gandhi and his family. Previously, the Court had instructed both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to assess the petitioner’s claims and update the Court on any developments in their investigations.
In its order dated July 20, the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI’s response, stating, “The counter affidavit of CBI does not appear to be a counter affidavit in terms of the earlier order. Even we are unable to understand about the progress of the investigation done by the CBI.” Consequently, the Court requested that a senior officer from the CBI submit a revised affidavit clearly indicating any advancements in the investigation.
Furthermore, the Court noted that the ED had complied with its previous directives, as evident from the affidavit submitted by the agency. The Court clarified that the ED is authorized to proceed if the investigation uncovers material justifying further action. The Court stated, “The perusal of the counter affidavit of ED reveals that the required steps have been taken by the ED and it is needless to say that if during investigation in the matter in question some relevant information is received supported with the material and documents the ED may do the needful strictly in accordance with law inasmuch as if any misdeed or illegal act has been noticed by the ED, they may not be helpless in proceeding further by following the due procedure of law.”
The Court also granted four weeks for the Union of India, alongside the Department of Personnel and Training, Department of Revenue, Serious Fraud Investigation Office, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and other respondents, to submit detailed counter affidavits. Shishir’s complaint alleges that Rahul Gandhi and his family amassed wealth beyond their declared sources of income. On May 12, the High Court had noted the receipt of the complaint by both the CBI and the ED, asserting that the allegations should be examined under the law without expressing any opinion on their merits.
During the hearing, Shishir, appearing in person, filed two interlocutory applications seeking, among other reliefs, the blocking of Rahul Gandhi’s passport and weekly reports from the investigating agencies on the investigation’s progress. The Court instructed Deputy Solicitor General of India SB Pandey to obtain responses from the relevant authorities regarding these requests and to file a response before the next hearing. Both applications will be considered in the subsequent session.
The Court further instructed that the case continue as a part-heard matter before the same Bench, pending appropriate orders from the Chief Justice regarding its composition. The next hearing is scheduled for August 20. S Vignesh Shishir appeared in person, with Advocate Anurag Kumar Singh representing the CBI and Advocate Kuldeep Srivastava representing the ED. Central Government Counsel Raj Kumar Singh appeared for other central authorities.
