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News India Live, Digital Desk: The petition related to the allegations of dual citizenship of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was to be heard in Allahabad High Court on Monday (20 April 2026). However, as soon as the hearing began, Justice Subhash Vidyarthi refused to hear the case. He clarified that he will not hear the case and directed to send the file to the Chief Justice (CBI) so that a new bench can be constituted.
1. Why did Justice Subhash Vidyarthi step down?
During the court proceedings, Justice Vidyarthi did not publicly record the clear reason behind his resignation, but some possible reasons are being discussed in the legal circles:
Protocol and Ethics: Often judges ‘recuse’ when they feel that they have a past relationship with a party or their involvement in the case may raise questions about their impartiality.
Prior Association: Justice Vidyarthi indicated that he has been familiar with the parties or issues related to this case in some way or the other, hence he took this decision following the principle that ‘justice should not only be done, but should also be seen to be done’.
2. What is the controversy regarding Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship?
This petition was filed by a BJP worker from Karnataka. S. Vignesh Subramaniam Has been filed by.
Blame: The petitioner claims that Rahul Gandhi has British citizenship and he has hidden it in the information given during the elections.
Demand: The petition demands that the CBI conduct a detailed investigation into the matter and if proof of citizenship is found, Rahul Gandhi’s Parliament membership should be cancelled.
3. Legal Dictionary: What is ‘Recusal’?
When a judge recuses himself from hearing a case, it is called ‘Recusal’.
Reason: This occurs when the judge has a financial interest in a party, a family connection, or has previously worked on a case as a lawyer.
Process: After the judge’s removal, the case goes to the Chief Justice, who decides which bench will now hear it.
4. What will happen next?
After the removal of Justice Vidyarthi, the file will now go to the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court.
New Bench: It is expected that within the next week or two a new bench will be formed which will re-review these facts related to Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship.
Home Ministry’s stance: Earlier, the Central Government had also indicated that the Ministry is investigating the complaints related to citizenship at its own level.
