Delhi Court Holds Off Notice to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case, Seeks More Documents from ED
A Delhi court on Friday refused to immediately issue notices to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case, citing the need for more complete documentation from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Court Seeks Additional Documents Before Issuing Notice
Special Judge Vishal Gogne stated that the court could not pass an order until fully satisfied, after the ED requested, “We don’t want this order to be prolonged. Let notice be issued.”
However, the judge emphasized, “I cannot pass such an order until satisfied.” The matter has now been scheduled for hearing on May 2.
The ED had filed its chargesheet on April 9, pushing toward initiating criminal charges against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
The chargesheet named five individuals and two companies, including Young Indian, a company where the Gandhis hold a controlling stake.
Charges Filed by the Enforcement Directorate
According to ED sources, the case involves alleged proceeds of crime worth Rs 5,000 crore. Other accused named include Sam Pitroda, head of the Congress’s overseas unit, and Suman Dubey, a close family associate.
The ED has reportedly submitted documentary evidence to detail the money trail and related transactions.
The Gandhis, along with former Congress treasurers Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes, have faced multiple rounds of questioning, and their statements are believed to be part of the prosecution complaint.
Court Highlights Deficiencies in ED’s Chargesheet
The Delhi court pointed out that necessary documents were missing from the ED’s chargesheet. “There are certain documents missing in the chargesheet as highlighted by the Ahlmad (court record keeper). ED is directed to file those documents. After that the court will decide the issue of notice,” the court said.
The ED maintained that it was being “very transparent” and “not hiding anything.” The agency told the court, “We are not hiding anything. We are giving them the opportunity to present their side before cognisance is taken.”
Still, the judge insisted that deficiencies must be addressed before moving forward with notices to the accused.
Accusations Against the Gandhis
Besides Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the ED charges also name Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey, listed as founding directors of Young Indian Private Limited. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi together own 76% of this company.
The ED alleges that Young Indian took over Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which owns the National Herald newspaper, for merely ₹50 lakh, despite AJL’s assets being valued at ₹2,000 crore then and approximately ₹5,000 crore now.
The ED claims to have tracked proceeds of crime amounting to ₹988 crore, which include real estate and other assets valued at ₹755 crore, shares worth ₹90 crore, and rent of ₹142 crore.
The rent was earned by AJL from properties across cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Panchkula, Lucknow, and Patna after Young Indian took over the company in the 2010-11 financial year.
Origins of the Case
The case stems from a complaint filed by senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who alleged criminal conspiracy involving Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, late Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and the company Young Indian.
The ED argued that under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), cognisance of the complaint cannot be taken without hearing the accused, and therefore notices needed to be issued.
However, the court reiterated the need for proper documentation before moving ahead.
Next Steps in the Proceedings
Special Judge Vishal Gogne firmly held that satisfaction of the court is a prerequisite for any further action and adjourned the case to May 2.
Until then, the ED is required to correct the deficiencies in its filing and submit the missing documents.
Meanwhile, the Congress Party has condemned the charges against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other senior leaders in connection with the National Herald case.
