The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Allahabad High Court to defer proceedings in a case involving allegations that Rahul Gandhi holds assets disproportionate to his known income. The top court also restrained the CBI and ED from submitting any report to the High Court while it considers Gandhi’s challenge to the orders directing verification of the allegations against the Leader of Opposition.
What is the Rahul Gandhi assets case?
The matter reached the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, which directed central agencies to verify the allegations and inform the court about the progress. Rahul Gandhi approached the Supreme Court challenging the Allahabad High Court’s directions. His plea argues that the High Court’s action amounted to a fishing inquiry and was initiated without giving him a proper opportunity to respond. Gandhi has also questioned the petitioner’s locus standi and bona fides. His lawyers have raised questions about the jurisdiction of the Allahabad High Court and the manner in which the proceedings were initiated.
The High Court had listed the matter for August 20.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana directed that proceedings before the Allahabad High Court remain deferred until further orders. The Supreme Court also directed the CBI and Enforcement Directorate not to submit any verification or investigation report before the High Court in the meantime. The High Court had also expressed dissatisfaction with an earlier affidavit filed by the CBI and sought a fresh response from a senior agency officer.
