Delhi High Court Postpones ED's Appeal Against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case

Key Takeaways

The Delhi High Court adjourned the ED's plea regarding the National Herald case.

Key political figures Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are involved in the allegations of money laundering.

The ED contests a trial court's ruling that dismissed its charge sheet.

The case could significantly impact public perception of political accountability.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 20, 2025.

New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court has postponed the hearing regarding the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) appeal against a trial court ruling that declined to recognize its charge sheet involving Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and others tied to the National Herald money laundering case.

A single-judge bench led by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has rescheduled the hearing for April 20 after a brief session addressing arguments in this prominent case.

The ED is contesting the December 16, 2025, decision made by a Special Judge at Rouse Avenue Court, which dismissed its charge sheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and refused to acknowledge the alleged offenses.

Previously, while acknowledging the ED's request, the Delhi High Court remarked that "the matter requires consideration" and instructed the involved parties, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, to submit their responses.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, argued that the trial court made a legal error by asserting that a charge sheet under the PMLA cannot be based on a scheduled offense stemming from a private complaint.

The ED contends that "the cognisance taken by the competent court on a private complaint holds a significantly higher status than an FIR filed by the police".

It further maintained that criminal proceedings can be initiated either through police investigations or via a private complaint to a Magistrate, thus challenging the Special Judge's dismissal of the charge sheet solely on that basis.

This high-profile case involves allegations that senior Congress figures colluded to unlawfully gain control over assets valued at over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the original publisher of the National Herald newspaper, by transferring a mere Rs 50 lakh through Young Indian, a company where both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi hold majority shares.

The controversy surrounding the National Herald's assets first emerged in 2012 when BJP leader Subramanian Swamy lodged a private complaint in a trial court, alleging that Congress leaders committed fraud and breach of trust while acquiring AJL.

Point of View

It is crucial to present this development with an unbiased lens. The postponement of the hearing on the ED's plea involving Sonia and Rahul Gandhi signifies a pivotal moment in a case that could have far-reaching impacts on Indian politics and public trust in legal institutions. The intricate interplay between politics and justice remains under scrutiny.

NationPress

7 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the recent decision made by the Delhi High Court?

The Delhi High Court postponed the hearing on the Enforcement Directorate's appeal against a trial court ruling related to the National Herald money laundering case.

Who are the key figures involved in the case?

The case primarily involves Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, among others.

What is the basis of the ED's appeal?

The ED appeals against a trial court's decision that dismissed its charge sheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

When is the rescheduled hearing date?

The hearing has been rescheduled to April 20.

What are the allegations against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi?

The allegations involve conspiring to illegally acquire assets worth over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited.