The Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench)has sought responses from the CBI, ED, SFIO and other Union authorities on a petition seeking action on complaints alleging disproportionate assets against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

A Division Bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Zafeer Ahmad recorded submissions by counsel for the CBI and ED that the petitioner’s complaints had already been received by the respective agencies. While the CBI informed the Court that it would file its response within eight weeks, the ED stated that it would verify the allegations and place the progress before the Court.

Taking note of these submissions, the Court observed that once the petitioner’s complaints had been received, the allegations may be verified in accordance with law, adding that the CBI and ED may take such steps as are permissible in law.

The petitioner, who appeared in person, also sought impleadment of additional Union authorities, including the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Allowing the request, the Court directed that these authorities be added as respondents in the proceedings.

The Bench further granted eight weeks to all respondents, including the newly impleaded parties, to file their counter affidavits. It clarified that separate responses would be filed by the CBI and ED, while other respondents represented through the Deputy Solicitor General would respond to allegations specifically concerning them.

Given the nature of the record, the Court directed that the petition paper-book and supporting documents continue to remain in sealed cover in the custody of the Senior Registrar, to be opened on the next date of hearing.

The matter is next listed for hearing on July 20.

Appearances:

Counsel for Petitioner(s) : In Person

Counsel for Respondent(s) : Anurag Kumar Singh, A.S.G.I., Kuldeep Srivastava, Raj Kumar Singh