The Supreme Court on Monday granted relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a case involving allegations of disproportionate assets, directing the Allahabad High Court to defer further proceedings for the time being.
The top court also instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) not to submit any report before the Allahabad High Court in connection with the matter, news agency PTI reported.
The development comes after Gandhi approached the Supreme Court challenging an earlier order of the Allahabad High Court that directed the CBI and ED to verify allegations concerning his assets.
What is the case against Rahul Gandhi?
The matter originated from a petition filed by Karnataka resident S Vignesh Shishir, who has described himself as a BJP worker. He had sought an investigation by the CBI and ED into allegations of disproportionate assets against Gandhi.
Shishir had also previously filed pleas alleging that Gandhi holds dual citizenship.
The Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow bench had been examining the petition and, on July 20, expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI’s response to the allegations.
The court directed a senior CBI officer to personally submit a fresh affidavit explaining the progress of the inquiry into the complaint.
Allahabad HC had sought detailed CBI response
The high court observed that the affidavit previously submitted by the CBI did not comply with its earlier directions and failed to adequately explain the progress made in the matter.
It directed the joint director or head of the concerned zone at the CBI’s Anti-Corruption headquarters in New Delhi to personally file a fresh affidavit before the next hearing.
The court had scheduled August 20 as the next date of hearing.
It had also given the Union government four weeks to submit detailed counter-affidavits on behalf of the Department of Personnel and Training, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Serious Fraud Investigation Office.
ED’s role in the case
The high court had earlier observed that if the ED found material or documents indicating any illegality during its inquiry, the agency could take further action in accordance with law.
The entire case record was also ordered to remain in a sealed cover under the custody of the senior registrar.
The high court has been hearing the matter in-chamber rather than in open court, citing the sensitive nature of the case.
The Supreme Court’s latest direction means the Allahabad High Court proceedings will not move forward for now, while the apex court considers Gandhi’s challenge.
