Delhi court defers hearing on plea against Sonia Gandhi

March 30, 2026

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday deferred the hearing on a plea seeking registration of an FIR against senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over the alleged inclusion of her name in the voter list prior to acquiring Indian citizenship.

Hearing Adjourned to April

The matter was being heard at the Rouse Avenue Court, which adjourned the proceedings to April 18 after partial arguments were completed. While the petitioner concluded his submissions, arguments on behalf of Sonia Gandhi remained inconclusive and will continue on the next date.

The case relates to a criminal revision petition challenging an earlier order that had refused to direct registration of an FIR.

Petition Seeks FIR Over Voter List Entry

The plea, filed by advocate Vikas Tripathi, alleges that Sonia Gandhi’s name was included in the electoral rolls before she officially became an Indian citizen in 1983. The petitioner has claimed that such inclusion could not have occurred without the use of forged or fabricated documents.

He argued before the court that certified copies of electoral rolls indicate a prima facie case of false declaration, warranting investigation into possible offences such as forgery and fraud.

Earlier Complaint Dismissed by Magistrate

The revision petition stems from an earlier complaint that had been dismissed by a magistrate court. The lower court had refused to order an FIR, stating that judicial intervention in such matters would amount to overstepping into areas reserved for constitutional authorities.

The magistrate also observed that issues related to citizenship fall under the jurisdiction of the central government, while disputes concerning electoral rolls are handled by the Election Commission of India.

Sonia Gandhi Terms Allegations ‘Politically Motivated’

In response to the allegations, Sonia Gandhi has denied any wrongdoing and termed the petition “politically motivated” and baseless. She argued that no credible documentary evidence has been presented to substantiate claims of fraud or forgery.

Her legal team also maintained that the proceedings are an abuse of the legal process and based on incorrect and misleading facts.

Legal and Political Implications

The case has both legal and political significance, as it touches upon sensitive issues of citizenship and electoral processes. Legal experts note that courts generally exercise caution in matters related to electoral rolls due to constitutional limitations.

At the same time, the issue has sparked political debate, with rival parties exchanging allegations over electoral integrity and past records.

Next Steps in the Case

With the hearing now scheduled for April 18, the court is expected to hear the remaining arguments from Sonia Gandhi’s side before deciding whether further action is warranted.

The outcome of the case will depend on the court’s assessment of whether sufficient grounds exist to order a probe into the allegations.

The deferral of the hearing marks another step in an ongoing legal battle involving historical electoral records and citizenship claims. As the case progresses, it is likely to remain under both legal scrutiny and political spotlight.