Rahul Gandhi's British Citizenship: Dr. Subramanian Swamy's Role and the Latest from Delhi High Court

In a legal saga that has captured national attention, BJP leader Dr. Subramanian Swamy has been at the forefront of challenging the citizenship status of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The crux of the matter revolves around Gandhi holding British citizenship alongside his Indian citizenship, potentially violating Indian law.

Dr. Subramanian Swamy's Role:

Dr. Subramanian Swamy, known for his legal battles, filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court. Dr. Swamy's contention is based on documents that show Rahul Gandhi as a British citizen in the records of Backops Limited, a company registered in the UK. These documents include annual returns from 2005 and 2006, where Gandhi's nationality was listed as British, and even in the company's dissolution application in 2009.

Dr. Swamy argues that these declarations violate Article 9 of the Indian Constitution, which stipulates that no person can be a citizen of India if they voluntarily acquire citizenship of another country. He has sought directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to decide on his representation to cancel Gandhi's Indian citizenship. Despite writing to the MHA in 2019 and subsequent interactions, the government has suffered from inaction or clarity regarding his complaint.

Delhi High Court's Latest Direction:

The Delhi High Court has recently taken an active role in addressing this issue. In a significant development on February 19, 2025, the court, presided over by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, questioned the Central government on why it hadn't responded to Dr. Swamy's representation.

The court directed Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the government, to obtain instructions on the matter. The bench clarified that it wasn't asking for a decision on the substantive issue but merely seeking an update on the stage of proceedings concerning Dr. Swamy's representation.

"The prayer is not to make decision on the substantive issues of the pending matter in either of the matters pending here or in Allahabad. He is only seeking directions on his representations. Seek instructions then regarding stage of the proceeding regarding the letter," the court stated, emphasizing the procedural aspect over the substantive.

Following this, it was revealed that the MHA had previously sent a show cause notice to Gandhi in 2019, to which no response was received, nor was any further action taken by the government. Dr. Swamy argued,

"The Government of India, on my letter to the Home Ministry, wrote a show cause notice to Gandhi to explain the data brought on record to show that he is also a British citizenship. Under Indian Law, no Indian can have citizenship of any other country. This was never replied, no reminders sent, no action taken by the government. The government must complete its responsibility."

The court has now scheduled the next hearing for March 26, 2025, giving the ASG time to gather further instructions, particularly in light of a 2019 letter from the MHA that was part of Swamy's petition.

Current Status:

The matter remains under judicial scrutiny with parallel proceedings in the Allahabad High Court where another petitioner, S. Vignesh Shishir, has sought a CBI investigation into Gandhi's citizenship. However, the Delhi High Court has made it clear that its jurisdiction isn't precluded by the pendency of another case elsewhere.

This ongoing legal battle showcases Dr. Swamy's persistent pursuit of accountability in India's political theatre.

Dr. Swamy's Critique of Modi's Leadership: A Churchill-Chamberlain Analogy

• Subramanian Swamy, known for his Hindu nationalist views, draws a parallel between Narendra Modi and Neville Chamberlain, suggesting a critique of Modi's leadership in times of national peril, similar to Chamberlain's misjudgment of Hitler before WWII.
• The reference to Winston Churchill implies Dr. Swamy's call for a more assertive and blunt approach from Indian leadership, akin to Churchill's stance against Hitler, highlighting a perceived need for stronger, more direct action in current geopolitical challenges.
• This post reflects ongoing discussions about India's national security, particularly the tensions with China and Pakistan, as highlighted in recent analyses like those from the Observer Research Foundation, suggesting Dr. Swamy's post is part of a broader discourse on India's strategic positioning.

Subramanian Swamy, a prominent figure in Indian politics with a background in economics, law, and academia, has historically been known for his outspoken views. His recent post on X (formerly Twitter) draws a comparison between PM Modi and Neville Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister who is often criticized for his policy of appeasement towards Adolf Hitler before World War II.

In his post, Dr. Swamy suggests that while it might be easy and comfortable to praise Modi, particularly in times of peace or political stability, the real test of leadership comes when the nation faces a crisis or danger. By likening Modi to Chamberlain, Dr. Swamy implies that Modi might be underestimating or misjudging the threats to India, similar to how Chamberlain initially viewed Hitler as a peace-loving leader, which history has shown was a grave miscalculation.

The invocation of Winston Churchill serves as a stark contrast. Churchill is celebrated for his foresight, resolve, and his unyielding opposition to Nazi Germany, which eventually led to his leadership during the war. Dr. Swamy's reference to Churchill indicates a call for a leadership style that is more direct, confrontational, and perhaps more visionary in dealing with India's current and potential adversaries. This comparison underscores Dr. Swamy's belief that India needs a leader who can speak bluntly and act decisively, much like Churchill did in the face of existential threats to Britain.

In summary, Dr. Swamy's X post is a layered critique, using historical analogies to comment on contemporary Indian politics. It reflects concerns over leadership style in the face of national security issues, urging for a shift towards a more assertive and visionary approach. This discourse places Modi's leadership under scrutiny, prompting a discussion on how India should navigate its complex international relations and internal challenges in the years to come.

Supreme Court to Hear Petition Challenging India's Places of Worship Act: A Look into the Krishna Janmasthan and Gyanvapi Disputes

In a significant development, the Chief Justice of India has announced that the Supreme Court will list for hearing in April 2025 a case challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This announcement comes from a post by Subramanian Swamy, a noted politician and the original petitioner in this case, who is actively involved in seeking judicial intervention to address historical religious disputes.

Dr. Swamy's petition seeks exceptions to the rules in The Places of Worship Act, specifically aiming at the restoration of two significant Hindu temple sites: Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura and Gyanvapi in Varanasi.

Krishna Janmasthan Temple in Mathura

According to Hindu tradition, Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The site has a long history of being a focal point of religious significance, with claims that a temple dedicated to Krishna was initially built by his great-grandson Vajranabh. Over the centuries, the site has seen various transformations, including the construction of a mosque, leading to disputes over rightful ownership and religious use. Dr. Swamy's petition specifically requests the restoration of this site, arguing for the historical and religious significance it holds for Hindus.

Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi

Similarly, the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi is at the heart of another contentious dispute. The mosque was built over the ruins of the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple, which was allegedly demolished during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The mosque's location near the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple adds to the complexity, with Hindu groups seeking permission to worship deities they believe are still present within the mosque's structure.

Dr. Swamy's argument

Dr. Subramanian Swamy's legal argument for seeking exceptions for the Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura and the Kashi Vishwanath site in Varanasi under the Places of Worship Act revolves around the profound cultural and religious significance these locations hold within Hindu tradition. He emphasizes that both sites are not merely places of worship but are deeply embedded in the spiritual and historical narrative of Hinduism. Krishna Janmabhoomi is revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one of the most worshipped deities in Hinduism, with centuries-old traditions and stories associated with this location. Similarly, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva, making it a pivotal pilgrimage site.

Dr. Swamy's contention is that these sites were originally Hindu temples before being demolished and mosques being constructed in their place during historical conquests, specifically under the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He argues that the restoration of these temples would not only serve to restore the sanctity and continuity of Hindu religious practice but also address the historical injustices where these sacred spaces were forcibly altered.

By focusing solely on Krishna Janmabhoomi and Kashi Vishwanath, Dr. Swamy aims to highlight their exceptional status in Hindu cosmology, suggesting that their restoration is a matter of correcting specific historical wrongs.

Depreciation of INR and Its Impact on the Indian Stock Market

Introduction

The depreciation of the Indian Rupee (INR) against major global currencies, particularly the US Dollar, has been a significant concern for investors, both domestic and foreign. This article explores how the weakening of INR can lead to a fall in the stock market, focusing especially on the perspective of Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs).

Understanding Currency Depreciation

Currency depreciation refers to the decline in the value of one currency relative to another. For the INR, this often means it takes more rupees to buy a dollar or other foreign currency. Several factors contribute to this depreciation, including:

• Trade Deficits: When India imports more than it exports, it needs more foreign currency, thus devaluing the INR.
• Inflation: High inflation rates in India compared to other countries can lead to a weaker currency.
• Global Economic Conditions: Shifts in global investor confidence, changes in oil prices, or geopolitical tensions can affect currency values.
• Monetary Policy: Actions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or foreign central banks can influence currency strength.

Impact on the Stock Market

1. Higher Import Costs: As INR depreciates, the cost of importing goods rises, which can lead to increased prices for consumers and businesses, potentially reducing corporate profits and, consequently, stock valuations.
2. Decreased Foreign Investment: 
   • Capital Outflows: FPIs might convert their profits back to their home currency, leading to a sell-off of Indian stocks. This is because a weaker INR means less return when converted back to stronger currencies like the USD or EUR.
   • Increased Risk Perception: A depreciating currency often signals economic instability, which can deter new foreign investments.
3. Impact on Debt: Companies with foreign currency-denominated debt face higher repayment costs in INR, affecting their financial health and stock prices.
4. Inflation Hedge: While a weaker currency can theoretically make Indian goods cheaper abroad, the immediate impact is often higher inflation at home, reducing the real value of stock returns.

Concerns for FPIs

• Currency Risk: The primary concern for FPIs is currency risk. When the INR depreciates, the returns on investments in India might not cover the currency loss when repatriated.
• Repatriation of Earnings: The process of converting INR back to a stronger currency becomes less profitable, which might lead to a decrease in new investments or even withdrawal of existing ones.
• Economic Stability: FPIs look for stability and predictability; currency depreciation can signal underlying economic issues or policy uncertainties, making the market less attractive.
• Cost of Capital: For FPIs, financing in foreign currency becomes more expensive if they lend or invest in India, as the cost of capital increases with a weaker INR.

Conclusion

The depreciation of the INR is a complex issue with significant implications for the Indian stock market, particularly through its impact on FPIs. While a weaker rupee can boost export competitiveness, the immediate effects on investment flows, corporate earnings, and investor sentiment are generally negative.