NEW DELHI, AUGUST 13, 2026 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached the Supreme Court challenging an Allahabad High Court order concerning allegations of disproportionate assets against him. The High Court had directed the CBI to provide a detailed account of the progress made in examining the allegations and observed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) could proceed in accordance with law if its inquiry uncovers material indicating any illegality.
According to the Supreme Court cause list, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana is likely to hear Gandhi’s challenge on August 17, 2026.
The matter stems from proceedings before the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, which on July 20 expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI’s response. The court directed a senior CBI officer to personally submit a fresh affidavit setting out the progress of the inquiry into the allegations concerning Gandhi’s assets.
The High Court observed that the earlier affidavit filed by the CBI did not adequately comply with its directions or clearly explain the progress made on the complaint submitted by petitioner S. Vignesh Shishir, a Karnataka resident and BJP worker.
The petitioner had sought an investigation by the CBI and ED into alleged disproportionate assets. He had also previously filed petitions raising allegations concerning Gandhi’s citizenship.
The High Court directed the Joint Director or head of the concerned zone of the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Headquarters in New Delhi to personally file the fresh affidavit before the next hearing.
The court further clarified that if the ED, during its inquiry, comes across documents or other material suggesting any illegality, it would remain free to take further action in accordance with law.
The proceedings were conducted in an in-chamber hearing lasting nearly two hours, with the High Court treating the matter as sensitive. The case was kept part-heard, with the next hearing scheduled for August 20, 2026.
The High Court also granted the Union government four weeks to file detailed counter-affidavits on behalf of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).
Meanwhile, the court directed that the complete case record continue to remain in sealed cover under the safe custody of the Senior Registrar, in accordance with its earlier orders.
Rahul Gandhi’s move before the Supreme Court now places the High Court’s directions before the country’s top court, where the next course of proceedings will be determined.
Note: The allegations mentioned in the proceedings remain allegations and should not be treated as established facts unless proved in accordance with law.
