Sonia Gandhi voter list case: Court allows documents

The Rouse Avenue court has recently allowed the complainant in a case involving Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to file additional documents, as it reopens the complaint following instructions from a sessions court. The complaint questions Sonia Gandhi's inclusion in the electoral roll in 1980, prior to her obtaining Indian citizenship in April 1983. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vinod Joshi has granted permission for the complainant to submit further evidence and scheduled the case for a hearing on November 18.

Senior advocate Vikas Tripathi, representing the complainant, requested extra time to provide the documents. The matter was returned to the magistrate's court after a sessions court overturned its previous ruling that denied the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Sonia Gandhi. On September 21, Special Judge Vishal Gogne permitted a revision petition filed by Tripathi, challenging the magistrate court's 2025 decision.

The sessions court rejected the earlier order, stating that the complaint was initially dismissed due to a non-verified record. It also labeled the magistrate's ruling as "non-speaking," as it failed to provide sufficient justification for rejecting the complaint. The sessions court further questioned the assertions regarding the authority of the Central government and the Election Commission in matters concerning citizenship.

According to the allegations in the complaint, Sonia Gandhi's name was initially listed on the electoral roll in 1980, was removed in 1982, and was added again in 1983. The sessions court pointed out that electoral rolls are intended for Indian citizens. It also noted that the complainant's evidence included Sonia Gandhi's name in the voter list, with her address listed as Safdarjung Road in New Delhi.

The court emphasized that the revision court cannot replace the magistrate in deciding the complaint and that a reasoned order will be issued after hearing the police officer's status report.