Bollywood actor-turned-rugby administrator Rahul Bose is at the center of serious legal trouble after being accused of obtaining a domicile certificate from Himachal Pradesh under dubious circumstances, a move allegedly designed to help him secure the presidency of Rugby India. The allegations come from a member of the Jubbal royal family in Shimla, and a formal complaint has now been filed in the state High Court.
In 2023, Rahul Bose reportedly promised the royal family that he would help establish and get official recognition for a state-level rugby association in Himachal Pradesh. Locals claim they worked for two years, building an association with hundreds of members across multiple districts. But when no recognition followed, complaints began to surface. According to the royal claimant, instead of legitimising the grassroots association, Bose allegedly forged a domicile certificate and used it to consolidate his influence at the national level.
The core of the accusation concerns the validity of Bose’s Himachal domicile: critics point out that Bose was born in Kolkata, holds official documents like passport, Aadhaar card, and domicile from Maharashtra, where his film career is based, making possession of a second domicile certificate deeply suspect. These irregularities raise tough questions about how he qualified to represent Himachal in national rugby bodies.
The complaint, filed by Divya Kumari of the Jubbal princely lineage, claims Bose exploited the royal family’s name for personal gain. She asserts that he has sidelined the earlier association and is now pushing for a fresh, state-level body under his control, while ignoring the efforts of local players and supporters. The matter has now reached the Himachal Pradesh High Court; the next hearing is scheduled for December 18.
The fallout is not confined to legal proceedings alone. Members of the Himachal rugby community have expressed dismay at being left in the lurch. Many had pinned hopes on Bose’s promises for recognition and resources; instead, they claim their efforts are being nullified overnight.
For a public figure like Rahul Bose, who had dabbled in rugby earlier and enjoyed credibility, these allegations strike at his integrity. A senior former player and national-level sportsman, his pivot to administration had been viewed as a positive move. But now the cloud of fraud and double certification threatens to tarnish that image badly.
Authorities will need to examine the documentary evidence: how and when the domicile certificate was issued, what criteria were used, and whether proper verification protocols were followed. The stakes are high since the allegations suggest manipulation of regulatory frameworks to gain power, a concern that undermines institutional trust in sports governance.
Whether this case ends with a dismissal or deep scrutiny remains to be seen. For now, Rahul Bose’s reputation, once resting on credibility both in films and sports, stands marred by serious accusations. The upcoming court proceedings in Himachal Pradesh will be closely watched, not just by fans of cinema or rugby, but by those concerned about fairness, transparency, and accountability in Indian sports institutions.