Rahul Gandhi (Img: INC X)
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi received temporary relief from the Supreme Court on Monday in a disproportionate assets case. The apex court directed the Allahabad High Court to defer further proceedings in the matter until further orders.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, also instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) not to submit any report before the High Court for now.
The Supreme Court said it wanted to examine the circumstances under which investigative agencies were asked to act in the matter. The bench observed that principles of natural justice must be followed while dealing with such proceedings.
During the hearing, the court questioned the CBI’s stand, stating that if the agency had not initiated the inquiry on its own but was acting on directions issued by the High Court, then the Supreme Court could examine the basis of those directions.
The matter originated from a petition filed before the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court by Karnataka-based BJP worker S Vignesh Shishir. The petitioner had sought an investigation into allegations that Rahul Gandhi allegedly possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
On July 20, the Allahabad High Court had directed the CBI to verify the allegations. It had also allowed the ED to take necessary action if any illegal activity was found during the inquiry.
The High Court had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI’s response and asked a senior officer to submit a fresh affidavit regarding the progress of the investigation.
The Supreme Court’s interim order provides relief to Rahul Gandhi as the proceedings in the matter remain paused pending further consideration by the top court.
