The Supreme Court on Sunday questioned why investigative agencies have remained silent in a case alleging disproportionate assets against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, observing that if the allegations are “so serious”, the agencies’ inaction needs an explanation.
The matter stems from a petition filed in the Allahabad High Court by BJP member Vignesh Shishir, seeking a probe into the assets of Rahul Gandhi and his family. The High Court had directed the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to conduct an inquiry in accordance with law.
Rahul Gandhi’s side has challenged the Allahabad High Court proceedings before the Supreme Court and has also sought transfer of the case from the Allahabad High Court to the Delhi High Court. The Supreme Court heard the matter before a bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant, along with Justices Jaymalya Bhakshi and Mohana.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Rahul Gandhi, argued that the case was beyond the scope of law and amounted to an unauthorised, vindictive action, adding that the CBI had done nothing beyond examining the complaint. Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, appearing for the agencies, said the agencies had no role in the matter at this stage.
Justice Mohana questioned whether the agencies were waiting for court directions instead of acting on their own if the case was indeed serious. The bench ordered that the CBI and ED should not submit any inquiry report to the Allahabad High Court or officials, and directed the Allahabad High Court not to proceed with the case until August 20, as the Supreme Court will re-examine the matter.
