Delhi court revives voter roll case against Sonia Gandhi

A Delhi sessions court has set aside a magistrate's order that had refused to direct the registration of an FIR against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. The case involves allegations that her name was included in the New Delhi electoral rolls in 1980, approximately three years before she officially acquired Indian citizenship in 1983.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne characterized the previous magistrate's decision as a “non-speaking” and “perverse” order that lacked sufficient reasoning. The court noted that the lower court had failed to properly examine whether the complaint disclosed a cognizable offence, instead digressing into the broader issue of citizenship. The judge also cited legal errors regarding non-compliance with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), specifically the failure to seek a status report from the police.

The revision petition was filed by advocate Vikas Tripathi, who alleges that fraudulent documents or false declarations may have been used to secure her inclusion in the voter list. The court has remanded the matter back to the magistrate for a fresh, reasoned decision after conducting an inquiry and hearing all relevant parties, including the Delhi Police. The next hearing is scheduled for September 29.