Delhi Court Revives Sonia Gandhi Voter Roll Complaint, Sets Aside Magistrate’s Order

A Delhi court has set aside a magistrate’s order dismissing a complaint against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over alleged irregularities in her inclusion in electoral rolls, sending the matter back for a fresh inquiry.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court reportedly said the magistrate’s September order was at variance with the allegations raised by complainant Vikas Pathak. The court also described the order as “non-speaking” in relation to the facts of the case.

The matter has been remanded to the magistrate for an appropriate inquiry and fresh hearing. The case will be heard again by the special court on September 29.

Court Cites ‘Manifest Error of Law’

While orally reading the operative portion of the order, Judge Gogne reportedly said the magistrate had treated the complaint as lacking particulars despite the allegations made by the petitioner.

The judge said the order suffered from a “manifest error of law”. He also described the magistrate’s decision as “perverse and improper”.

According to Judge Gogne, the magistrate had not given the Delhi Police investigating officer sufficient time to respond to the allegations and submit a status report before deciding the complaint.

Earlier Court Found No Cogent Evidence

While dismissing the complaint, the magistrate pointed to the absence of cogent evidence that Sonia Gandhi had forged documents to enrol herself as a voter.

The court had also held that the issue went beyond its jurisdiction.

The latest ruling, however, sets aside that decision and reportedly sends the complaint back for consideration. The magistrate is now required to conduct an appropriate inquiry and hear the matter afresh before the next proceedings on September 29.

Complaint Concerns 1980 Electoral Roll

The complaint relates to the alleged inclusion of Sonia Gandhi’s name in an electoral roll in 1980, three years before she acquired Indian citizenship in 1983.

The matter had earlier been dismissed on September 10 by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia. The magistrate had reportedly held that the allegations lacked substance and that the proceedings amounted to an abuse of the process of law.

The order came after the complainant, Vikas Pathak, presented his arguments over two hearings.