What’s Next for Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald Money Laundering Case?

The Enforcement Directorate has concluded its arguments in the National Herald money laundering case involving Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The agency claims that Young Indian Ltd was used to misappropriate assets worth Rs 2,000 crore from the now-defunct newspaper. The case has drawn significant attention, with allegations of conspiracy and fraudulent transactions surfacing. As the court awaits responses from the accused, the implications of this high-profile case could have far-reaching effects on the Congress leadership. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding legal battle.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2025, 17:22 IST

ED Concludes Arguments in High-Profile National Herald Case

New Delhi: On Thursday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) wrapped up its oral arguments at the Rouse Avenue Court regarding the prosecution complaint against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other individuals linked to the alleged money laundering case involving the National Herald.

After the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju presented the ED's case, Special Judge Vishal Gogne, who is overseeing this high-profile matter daily, instructed the accused parties, including the Gandhis, Congress Overseas Chief Sam Pitroda, and Suman Dubey, to submit their responses by Friday (July 4).

ASG Raju contended that Young Indian Ltd, where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold majority shares, was utilized to seize approximately Rs 2,000 crore worth of assets from the now-defunct newspaper by paying a mere Rs 50 lakh.

The ED further alleged that the shareholding in Young Indian is nominal, asserting that the other accused are merely acting on behalf of the Gandhi family.

Earlier, the ED claimed that a conspiracy was devised to establish Young Indian with the intent of gaining control over the extensive assets of the National Herald, benefiting the top leadership of Congress personally.

Raju highlighted that several senior Congress figures were implicated in 'fake transactions' involving Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the original publisher of the National Herald.

The agency reported that individuals were making fraudulent advance rent payments over the years, directed by senior Congress officials, using fabricated rent receipts.

During a previous hearing on May 2, the Rouse Avenue Court requested the Gandhis and other accused to justify why the ED's charge sheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) should not be acknowledged.

The prosecution complaint alleged that the Congress leadership misappropriated AJL's property by converting public trusts into personal assets.

Founded in 1938 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other notable leaders, the National Herald aimed to represent a liberal perspective within the Congress.

Published by AJL, the National Herald served as a vital instrument for the Congress during the freedom struggle and the years following Independence.

In addition to the English version, AJL also published newspapers in Hindi and Urdu.

However, the publication ceased operations in 2008 due to debts exceeding Rs 90 crore.

The controversy surrounding its assets gained attention in 2012 when BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint in a trial court, accusing Congress leaders of cheating and breach of trust in acquiring AJL.

The ED's investigation revealed that Young Indian, beneficially owned by the Gandhis, effectively took control of AJL's properties while undervaluing their market value.

In November 2023, the ED attached immovable properties worth Rs 661 crore and AJL shares valued at Rs 90.2 crore, labeling them as suspected proceeds of crime.