A significant decision is expected soon in a crucial case related to the National Herald case. Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has concluded its arguments regarding the cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) charge sheet against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others.
New Delhi: The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has concluded its hearing regarding taking cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) charge sheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the high-profile National Herald case. After the arguments, the court has reserved its judgment and will pronounce the order in this matter on July 29, 2025.
In addition to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise, and Sunil Bhandari have also been made accused in this case. Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne stated that the order regarding taking cognizance of the charge sheet will be delivered on July 29.
What is the National Herald Case?
The National Herald case is related to a disputed property dispute and alleged money laundering. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges that Associated Journals Limited (AJL), an entity linked to the Congress, which publishes the National Herald newspaper, fraudulently acquired assets worth over ₹2,000 crore.
According to the ED, Young Indian, a company with a majority stake held by the Gandhi family, obtained shares of AJL under a conspiracy and then illegally benefited from its assets. The ED claims that the entire process involved money laundering and illegal acquisition of property.
What are the main allegations of the ED?
- Illegal transfer of property: The ED alleges that the shares of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) were transferred to Young Indian Company under a criminal conspiracy.
- Money laundering charges: According to the ED, the income, rent, and other profits from AJL's immovable property were used as proceeds of crime.
- Misuse of Congress loan: The ED alleges that the loan given by the Congress party to AJL was used as a pretext to seize this property. Young Indian took control of AJL's ownership by using this loan as a weapon.
The Gandhi Family's Stand
During the hearing, senior lawyers of the Congress bly opposed the allegations of the ED. They stated that no illegal activity was carried out through Young Indian Company. The whole matter was only to relieve AJL from debt. They also argued that no criminal conspiracy was hatched, but rather it was a transparent transaction. The Congress leaders also argued that this case is completely motivated by political vendetta to defame the Gandhi family.
The National Herald case has long been the center of political conflict between the Congress and the BJP. The BJP has been portraying it as a major example of corruption, while the Congress has been dismissing it as a political vendetta. The court's cognizance or non-cognizance of the ED's charge sheet in this case could be a major political indicator for the Congress. If the court takes cognizance, further proceedings against the Gandhi family and other accused may begin.
