DA case: SC to hear Rahul Gandhi’s plea on Aug 17

The Supreme Court will hear Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea on August 17, challenging orders from the Allahabad High Court. These orders stem from a petition alleging that Gandhi owns assets far beyond his known income sources. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and including justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, will consider his appeal on August 17. Additionally, Gandhi has filed a separate transfer petition in the case.

Gandhi's challenge follows directions from the Allahabad High Court to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate allegations made by BJP worker S Vignesh Shishir. Shishir sought a probe into Gandhi and his family members. In May, the high court instructed the CBI and ED to verify Shishir's claims. However, the high court expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's response in an order dated July 20.

The division bench observed that the CBI's counter affidavit lacked proper structure and was unclear about the progress of its investigation. The high court also noted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had taken necessary steps and could proceed further if its investigation uncovered material warranting action. The court directed that the proceedings continue as a part-heard matter before the same bench, setting the case for hearing on August 20.

Gandhi has contested the high court's recent directions. Separately, Shishir has filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court seeking criminal action against Gandhi for alleged violations of citizenship laws. Shishir claims Gandhi possessed a British passport in addition to his Indian one. The high court initially ordered a first information report (FIR) against Gandhi in this matter, but later withdrew the direction and recused himself after Shishir made social media posts related to the proceedings. The case remains pending before the high court.