Allahabad HC judge recuses from Rahul Gandhi citizenship case, censures petitioner over social media posts
A judge of the Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) has recused himself from hearing the “Rahul Gandhi‑British‑citizenship” case after taking strong exception to the petitioner’s social media conduct, and the court has censured the petitioner for allegedly casting aspersions on the judiciary.
What the case is about
The petition, filed by BJP worker S. Vignesh Shishir, seeks registration of an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over allegations that he holds British citizenship and that this should lead to disqualification from Parliament. On 17 April 2026, a bench of Justice Subhash Vidyarthi had indicated that there was a prima‑facie case and granted liberty to the state to refer the matter to the Central government, but later withheld implementing the order.
Why the judge recused
Justice Vidyarthi recused himself from the matter on 20 April 2026, after reviewing a series of social media posts and public statements by the petitioner reacting to the 17 April order. The court held that these posts amounted to “casting aspersions on the court” and “maligning the dignity” of the judiciary, with the judge remarking that he regretted hearing the case and felt he had been used for “political mileage.”
What the court said about the petitioner
The bench orally censured Shishir, rejecting his plea that the posts were not directed against the court, and emphasised that judicial decisions are not influenced by a litigant’s public praise or criticism. The matter has now been posted before another bench, to be nominated by the Chief Justice, for fresh consideration on the merits of the FIR‑registration plea.
