A Delhi court on September 21, 2026, set aside a magistrate’s earlier order that had dismissed a complaint seeking an investigation into allegations concerning Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s inclusion in an electoral roll. The case relates to claims that her name appeared on the voter list before she acquired Indian citizenship. The allegations remain to be examined and have not been established as fact by the court.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court overturned the September 2025 order passed by the magistrate and sent the matter back for fresh consideration. The court directed that the complaint be reconsidered after hearing the complainant and the Delhi Police and that a reasoned order be passed. The matter is scheduled to come up before the magistrate on September 29, 2026.
What Is the Allegation Against Sonia Gandhi?
The complaint, filed by advocate Vikas Tripathi, concerns an alleged entry of Sonia Gandhi’s name in an electoral roll dating to 1980. The complainant has alleged that this occurred before she acquired Indian citizenship in 1983 and has sought registration of an FIR and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the entry.
The complaint invokes provisions relating to alleged forgery, use of forged documents, false information and other offences. However, these are allegations contained in the complaint and do not amount to a judicial finding that Sonia Gandhi committed any offence.
Why Did the Court Revive the Matter?
The special court found shortcomings in the magistrate’s earlier handling of the complaint. According to reports on the order, the special judge said the previous decision did not adequately address the allegations and described it as a non-speaking order. The court also noted that the Delhi Police investigating officer had not been given sufficient opportunity to respond and submit a status report before the earlier decision.
The latest order therefore does not establish that the allegations against Sonia Gandhi are true. Instead, it means the complaint must be considered again by the lower court through a fresh hearing and a reasoned decision.
What Happens Next?
The case will return to the magistrate on September 29. The court will consider the complaint afresh, including the submissions of the complainant and the police, before deciding what further legal action, if any, is warranted.
The development has renewed public attention on electoral-roll records and the legal procedures governing voter registration. The outcome of the fresh hearing will determine whether the complaint proceeds to a further investigative stage.
