Court Ruling Provides Relief to Gandhi Family in National Herald Case
The Rouse Avenue Court has granted a significant reprieve to the Gandhi family in the National Herald case, leading Congress to declare a victory for truth. The court's ruling, which declined to take cognizance of the ED's FIR, has sparked strong reactions from both Congress and the BJP. While Congress claims the case lacks evidence of wrongdoing, the BJP insists on the legitimacy of the allegations. This decision not only impacts the ongoing investigation but also raises broader questions about the role of investigative agencies in Indian politics. As the situation unfolds, both parties are framing the outcome to their advantage, setting the stage for further political discourse.
| Dec 16, 2025, 16:24 IST
Significant Court Decision
The Gandhi family has received a significant reprieve in the National Herald case, prompting the Congress party to declare a victory for truth. In contrast, the BJP contends that the Gandhi family has not been exonerated. The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has declined to take cognizance of the recent FIR filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court clarified that the ED's investigation was initiated based on a private complaint rather than a standard FIR, thus making it outside the legal framework for cognizance at this stage.
Court's Clarification on FIR
The court further stated that opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, and other accused parties do not have the right to receive a copy of the FIR at this stage. However, the court has permitted the ED to continue its investigation. The ruling emphasized that this case originated from a private complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, along with summons issued by a magistrate, rather than from a regular police FIR.
Congress's Response
Following the ruling, Congress reacted strongly, labeling the ED's actions as politically motivated and legally unsustainable. The party asserted that the court made it clear that the ED's actions were beyond jurisdiction without an FIR. On social media platform 'X', Congress proclaimed, 'Truth has triumphed,' exposing the 'malice and illegal conduct' of the Modi government.
Claims of No Wrongdoing
Congress further claimed that there is no evidence of money laundering, no proceeds of crime, and no illegal transfer of assets in this case. According to the party, the entire matter is part of a political vendetta and smear campaign, which the court has now dismissed. Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi stated that he personally fought this crucial case, calling the decision significant. He noted that it was a hollow case escalated to such a high level without any evidence of money transfer or asset movement, questioning the basis for money laundering allegations.
New FIR Filed by Delhi Police
Meanwhile, amidst these developments, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others based on the ED's complaint regarding the alleged money laundering case linked to the National Herald. Congress has sharply criticized this move, accusing the BJP of harassment, intimidation, and political revenge.
BJP's Denial of Allegations
In response, the BJP has categorically rejected these allegations. Senior BJP leader and former law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad dismissed Congress's claims as baseless, asserting that when the private complaint was filed, Narendra Modi was not the Prime Minister, and the case dates back to 2008. He advised Congress to face the law instead of engaging in blame games, highlighting that the FIR filed by the Delhi Police includes charges of criminal conspiracy (Section 120B) and fraud (Section 420) against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. He also clarified that due to the age of the case, the FIR was registered under the old penal code.
Implications of the Court's Decision
The Rouse Avenue Court's ruling is not merely a legal order; it raises significant questions about Indian politics and the role of investigative agencies. While the court has allowed the ED to continue its investigation, indicating that the matter is not entirely resolved, the initial questioning of the process puts the agency's operations under scrutiny. Nevertheless, Congress is framing this decision as a moral and political victory, while the BJP views it as merely a technical hurdle.