Delhi Court Revisits Sonia Gandhi's Citizenship Controversy: What’s Next?

In a significant legal development, a Delhi court has overturned a prior ruling concerning Sonia Gandhi's inclusion in the electoral roll before she acquired Indian citizenship. The court found the earlier decision lacking in legal reasoning and has remanded the case for further examination. This ruling raises questions about the implications for Gandhi and the ongoing legal discourse surrounding citizenship and electoral integrity. The next hearing is set for September 29, promising to shed more light on this contentious issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 21, 2026, 15:48 IST

Court Overturns Previous Ruling on Sonia Gandhi's Electoral Roll Inclusion

New Delhi: A Delhi court has recently accepted a revision petition that contests a magistrate's decision from September 11, 2025, which had previously declined to investigate claims regarding Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's inclusion in the electoral roll prior to her obtaining Indian citizenship in 1983.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne annulled the earlier ruling, labeling it as 'non-speaking'. This ruling had dismissed a complaint lodged by Advocate Vikas Tripathi, who serves as the vice-president of the Central Delhi Court Bar Association at the Rouse Avenue courts.

The judge pointed out that the previous order was flawed due to a significant legal error, particularly regarding the failure to adhere to Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This included not hearing the relevant police officer's arguments and neglecting to request a status report from the concerned police station.

He emphasized that the 'non-speaking' nature of the order was clear, as the magistrate failed to evaluate the two legal options available: either directing the registration of an FIR or conducting proceedings under the BNSS.

The judge noted that instead of focusing on whether the complaint indicated a cognizable offense, the magistrate diverted attention to the issue of citizenship.

The case has been sent back to the magistrate for a reasoned decision after considering new arguments.

Further proceedings are scheduled for September 29.