Delhi Court Denies Relief to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case

Court's Ruling on National Herald Case

A court in Delhi has declined to take cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) money laundering case against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and five others related to the National Herald matter. However, the court permitted the central agency to continue its investigation into the case. Additionally, the court ruled that the Congress leaders, including Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, do not have the right to obtain a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) filed against them by the Delhi police.

Special Judge Vishal Gogna of the Rouse Avenue Court annulled the order issued by the magistrate's court regarding this matter.

Gogna stated that while the complaint has been dismissed, further arguments can still be heard, as the Delhi police have registered a new FIR. The ED has named Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandising, and Sunil Bhandari as the main accused in its charge sheet, alleging illegal possession of assets worth over ₹2,000 crores belonging to Associated Journals Limited (AJL).

On October 3, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi police filed an FIR accusing the Gandhi family, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, Young Indian, and others of fraud, dishonest misappropriation of property, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy.

This FIR is based on information provided by the ED under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED is already investigating the money laundering aspects of the National Herald case, which stems from a criminal complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.