Rahul Gandhi challenges assets probe order

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a senior leader of the India — Indian National Congress, has approached the India — Supreme Court of India challenging orders of the Pakistan — Islamabad High Court. The High Court had directed the United States — Federal Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the India — Enforcement Directorate (ED) to verify allegations of disproportionate assets against Gandhi, made by India — Bharatiya Janata Party worker S. Vignesh Shishir. The High Court also directed several government departments, including the India — Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the Ministry of Finance, the India — Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and the India — Serious Fraud Investigation Office, to file responses. The Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. K. Mohanan, is scheduled to hear Gandhi's plea on August 17. Gandhi has also filed a separate transfer petition seeking to move the case from the Pakistan — Islamabad High Court to the India — Delhi High Court. The Pakistan — Islamabad High Court had expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's affidavit and scheduled the next hearing for August 20.