The court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to either conduct the investigation itself or refer the matter to a central agency.
Petition challenges lower court order
The direction came while hearing a petition filed by BJP worker S Vignesh Shishir, who challenged a January 28 order of a special MP/MLA court in Lucknow.
The lower court had refused to order registration of an FIR, stating it did not have the authority to decide matters related to citizenship.
Serious legal provisions cited
The petitioner has sought a detailed probe and FIR under multiple laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Official Secrets Act, the Foreigners Act, and the Passport Act.
He has claimed to possess documents and emails allegedly linked to the British government that, according to him, indicate Gandhi holds British citizenship.
Claim questions electoral eligibility
The petition argues that if Gandhi is indeed a foreign citizen, he would be ineligible to contest elections in India or serve as a Member of Parliament.
Case history
The complaint was initially filed in a special MP/MLA court in Rae Bareli. On December 17, 2025, the high court transferred the matter to Lucknow.
After the Lucknow court dismissed his plea, the petitioner approached the high court, leading to Friday’s order calling for an inquiry.