SC stays High Court proceedings in Rahul Gandhi assets case

The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the disproportionate assets case. The court asked the Allahabad High Court not to proceed with the matter and directed the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) not to file any report before the high court for now. The Hindu reports the apex court will hear Gandhi's plea challenging the high court order on August 17. Hindustan Times says the top court has already stayed the proceedings.

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow Bench on July 20 had directed the CBI's senior officer to personally file a fresh affidavit detailing the probe's progress. It had also observed that the ED could proceed if it found material indicating illegality. The high court was hearing a petition filed by Karnataka resident S. Vignesh Shishir, a BJP worker, seeking an investigation into allegations of disproportionate assets against the Leader of the Opposition.

Both outlets report that the high court had noted the CBI's earlier affidavit was not compliant with its order. It had fixed August 20 as the next date of hearing and directed the Union government to file counter affidavits within four weeks. The entire case record remains in a sealed cover with the senior registrar.