NEW DELHI: In a significant legal development, a Delhi court on Tuesday refused to take cognizance of a money laundering chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and several others in connection with the National Herald case.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court ruled that the complaint filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was not maintainable at this juncture. Despite the refusal to proceed with the current chargesheet, the court clarified that the central agency is permitted to continue its ongoing investigation into the matter.
The ED’s complaint named prominent figures including Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Congress Overseas Chief Sam Pitroda. Other entities mentioned as proposed accused include Suman Dubey, Sunil Bhandari, Young Indian, and Dotex Merchandise Private Limited.
The case centers on allegations of a conspiracy to illegally acquire assets worth over ₹2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald. Prosecutors allege these assets were seized by Young Indian—a firm majority-owned by the Gandhis—for a consideration of just ₹50 lakh.
Following the court’s decision, the Enforcement Directorate announced its intention to challenge the ruling in a higher court. Meanwhile, the court has posted further consideration of the matter for April 25, 2025.