Rahul Gandhi moves Supreme Court against Allahabad HC orders on assets complaint

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has approached the Supreme Court challenging orders passed by the Allahabad High Court in connection with a complaint alleging that he holds assets disproportionate to his income.

Gandhi has also filed a separate petition seeking transfer of the matter from the Allahabad High Court to the Delhi High Court. Both petitions were filed on Aug 7 and are scheduled to be considered by a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Aug 17.

The proceedings before the Allahabad High Court originated from a complaint filed by Karnataka-based BJP worker Vignesh Shishir. The complaint alleged that Gandhi was holding assets disproportionate to his known income.

In an order passed in May, the Allahabad High Court said that if the complaint had been received, the allegations could be verified in accordance with law. The court said the CBI or Enforcement Directorate could take appropriate steps permissible under the law.

The High Court also directed the agencies to apprise it of the progress made in relation to the matter.

The proceedings continued before the High Court after the May order.

In its subsequent order of July 20, the High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the affidavit submitted by the CBI, observing that it was not in accordance with its earlier direction.

The court, however, noted that the ED had taken the required steps. It said the agency could take appropriate legal action if information emerged during its investigation.

The High Court then listed the matter for further consideration on Aug 20.

Gandhi's challenge before the Supreme Court seeks to contest these directions.

Alongside the challenge to the High Court orders, the Congress leader has sought transfer of the proceedings from the Allahabad High Court to the Delhi High Court.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear both petitions on Aug 17 before a bench comprising CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.

The case at this stage concerns allegations made in the complaint and the verification of those allegations. The High Court orders referred to verification by investigative agencies and did not themselves establish that Gandhi possessed assets disproportionate to his income.

The Supreme Court's consideration of Gandhi's petitions will now determine whether his challenge to the Allahabad High Court proceedings and his request for transfer are entertained.