Special CBI Judge Vishal Gogne of Delhi's Rouse Avenue Courts has once again found himself in the spotlight following two significant legal developments. On one hand, former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has filed a plea seeking the transfer of her cases from his court. On the other, Judge Gogne recently dismissed the Enforcement Directorate's prosecution complaint against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the high-profile National Herald case.
Who is Judge Vishal Gogne?
Born in Delhi, Vishal Gogne completed his graduation and LLB from Delhi University before joining the judicial service in 2006. His career has seen him serve in various capacities across the capital's district judiciary. He has held positions as a senior civil judge-cum-rent controller in Dwarka Courts, an additional sessions judge in Karkardooma Courts, and the chief metropolitan magistrate in Rohini Courts.
Between 2018 and 2021, Gogne also contributed to judicial training as the additional director of the Delhi Judicial Academy, where he trained four batches of newly inducted officers. He is currently a special judge adjudicating cases under laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Rouse Avenue Courts, a venue known for high-stakes trials involving politicians and businessmen.
A Glimpse into Notable Cases and Judicial Philosophy
Judge Gogne's courtroom has been the stage for several politically sensitive cases, and his orders often reflect a blend of legal rigor and social consciousness.
In the National Herald case, on December 16, 2025, he dismissed the ED's prosecution complaint against the Gandhis and others, terming it "not maintainable," "premature, and imprudent." He ruled that the complaint was impermissible in law as it was based on a private complaint filed by BJP's Subramanian Swamy in 2012, not on an FIR.
He is also presiding over the IRCTC scam case, where he recently framed charges of corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating against former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. The judge noted that the accused had conspired to manipulate tender conditions and undervalue land parcels when Lalu Yadav was the Railway Minister.
In the DHFL bank fraud case, involving an alleged Rs 34,615 crore scam, Judge Gogne had dismissed the bail pleas of promoters Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan in 2022. The Supreme Court, however, granted them bail on December 11, 2025.
Humanity and Firmness on the Bench
Beyond the high-profile names, Judge Gogne's rulings reveal a distinct judicial character. In a 2021 bail hearing for a lynching case, he made powerful observations, calling lynching a "creeping social reality" of intolerance. He stated that releasing the accused would be a failure in the pushback against forces battling liberal ideals.
His courtroom demeanor is marked by a demand for respect and efficiency. During hearings in the Land-for-Jobs scam case involving Lalu Yadav's family, he admonished an "over-assertive" lawyer, clarifying that the court is not duty-bound to grant all wishes. He also firmly defended his staff, stating, "My court staff is an extension of me. They need to be respected as much as the Judge."
He has also been strict on adjournments, especially in the hybrid hearing era, noting that grounds for delay are often "self-serving and completely unexceptional." In one instance, he held that a counsel who did not avail the opportunity to argue had "forsaken the right to argue on their behalf."
The Current Spotlight: Rabri Devi's Transfer Plea
The latest development bringing Judge Gogne to the fore is the plea by Rabri Devi, the former Chief Minister of Bihar. She has sought the transfer of multiple cases from his court to another. A Delhi court, while hearing this plea on December 17, 2025, has sought comments from Judge Gogne himself on the matter. This move places him at the centre of a procedural tussle that underscores the intense scrutiny surrounding cases involving political figures.
Judge Vishal Gogne's journey through Delhi's judicial corridors demonstrates a commitment to a process-driven yet principled approach. As he navigates the complex terrain of corruption cases and transfer pleas, his courtroom remains a critical space where legal arguments, political implications, and social commentary frequently intersect.
