2 hrs ago
Delhi Court Revives Probe Complaint Over Sonia Gandhi Voter Entry
A court is asking a lower court to look again at a complaint involving Sonia Gandhi’s name on an old voter list.
The complaint says her name appeared in 1980, before she became an Indian citizen in 1983.
The first magistrate had refused to investigate the matter.
A higher judge said that decision did not properly explain its reasoning.
The judge also said the magistrate did not follow the required legal process.
The lower court should now decide whether an FIR should be registered or another legal inquiry should begin.
Sonia Gandhi’s lawyers said the complaint was a fishing and roving inquiry.
The complainant’s lawyers said the entry could have involved fraud or forged documents.
The latest ruling does not decide whether the allegations are true.
A Delhi court set aside a magistrate’s September 2025 order refusing to investigate the complaint.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne called the earlier order “non-speaking” and legally deficient.
The case concerns Sonia Gandhi’s alleged inclusion in a 1980 electoral roll before her 1983 citizenship.
The judge said the magistrate failed to consider an FIR or an alternative BNSS inquiry.
The matter was remanded for fresh arguments and a reasoned decision, with proceedings listed for September 29.
- Who
- Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, complainant Vikas Tripathi, and Special Judge Vishal Gogne are central to the case.
- What
- The court set aside a magistrate’s refusal to probe allegations concerning Sonia Gandhi’s electoral-roll entry before her Indian citizenship.
- Where
- A Delhi court, with the matter originating before a magistrate at the Dwarka Courts.
- When
- The ruling was issued on a Monday; the earlier order was issued in September 2025, identified in one report as September 11, and further proceedings are listed for September 29.
- Why
- The judge found that the magistrate’s order lacked adequate reasoning and did not follow the procedure required under Section 175(3) of the BNSS.
Complainant’s Position
Sonia Gandhi’s Position
Need for investigation
Complainant’s Position
Vikas Tripathi’s lawyers argue that a person’s name could not have been added to the electoral roll without Indian citizenship and that fraud or forged documents should be investigated.
Sonia Gandhi’s Position
Sonia Gandhi’s counsel argues that the complaint seeks a fishing and roving inquiry and that the magistrate was right to reject it.
Focus of the case
Complainant’s Position
The complainant says the alleged pre-citizenship voter entry indicates a prima facie false declaration or forged documents.
Sonia Gandhi’s Position
The defence has challenged the complaint’s basis; the latest ruling did not determine whether the allegations are true.
Legal procedure
Complainant’s Position
The revision petitioner argued that the magistrate should have considered registering an FIR or conducting an alternative inquiry under the BNSS.
Sonia Gandhi’s Position
The defence position was that the matter had been properly concluded by the magistrate, although the higher court found the order procedurally and legally deficient.
Key facts
- Issue
- Sonia Gandhi’s name was allegedly included in an electoral roll in 1980, before she acquired Indian citizenship in 1983.
- Latest ruling
- The Delhi court allowed a revision plea and set aside the magistrate’s order.
- Judge
- Special Judge Vishal Gogne.
- Earlier order
- The magistrate had refused a request for an FIR or probe.
- Legal deficiency
- The judge cited non-compliance with Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
- Next step
- The matter was remanded to the magistrate for fresh arguments and a reasoned order.
- Next hearing
- Further proceedings are scheduled for September 29.
Quotes
Vishal Gogne
Special judge of the Delhi court hearing the revision plea
“The impugned order suffers from a manifest error in law on account of non-compliance with Section 175(3) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), inter alia, not hearing the submissions of the police officer concerned and non-calling of a status report from the police station concerned.”
telegraphindia.com
“You are here before the court asking for an FIR. The matter is nearly half a century back. Who is going to be investigated? You are expanding the ambit.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Related news
Delhi court defers Sonia Gandhi voter-list FIR plea order
Delhi SIR Flags Gupta, Kejriwal Records Ahead of Final Roll
Delhi SIR Flags Advani, Sisodia Among 33 Lakh Voters
Kejriwal Family Gets Delhi SIR Notices as EC Responds
Delhi SIR Notices Expand to Advani, Sisodia and Other Leaders
Allahabad High Court Drops Plea Alleging Rahul Gandhi Is British
Barapullah Phase 3 Corridor Set to Open September 29
ABVP Retains DUSU Control After Delhi University Elections
Nitin Nabin Praises Delhi-Meerut Expressway During Meerut Visit
Delhi High Court Rejects Plea Seeking FIR Against Justice Varma
