Mysterious wiring ....????

I took the gauge cluster out of my car the other day.Upon removal,I noticed that someone along the way,had bypassed the voltage meter and hooked the red and black wires together. My question is "why would someone do this"? I tested the gauge with a 12v batt. and it read 12v. So I assume the gauge is ok. What would be the benefit of doing such a thing?

Thanks