Did Ashok Gehlot Celebrate the Court's Ruling in the National Herald Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
In Jaipur, on December 16, Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot expressed his approval of the ruling from the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi regarding the National Herald case, deeming it a significant triumph of truth over the alleged 'misuse' of authority.
He pointed out that the court's dismissal of the Enforcement Directorate's allegations against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi clearly indicates that the claims of money laundering under the PMLA lack merit.
“From the onset, we asserted that this was a fabricated and false case, intentionally orchestrated by the Modi government to damage the reputation of the Gandhi family,” Gehlot remarked.
He noted that this urgency led the ED to file an FIR with the Delhi Police just days earlier. “Once the charge sheet was submitted, the ED knew the case was baseless. Under pressure from the Modi administration, the agency has faced embarrassment in court,” he elaborated.
“Today, the judiciary has clarified everything. Ultimately, the truth has emerged victorious,” stated Ashok Gehlot.
On Tuesday, a Delhi court declined to acknowledge the National Herald money laundering allegations against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne ruled that the complaint from the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act was not valid as it originated from a private complaint, not a First Information Report.
Other individuals named in the complaint included Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise, and Sunil Bhandari.
Reading the order's key points, the judge noted that the Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing had already filed an FIR in this matter, making it premature to evaluate the ED's arguments based on merits.
The Enforcement Directorate accused Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, the late Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, and Young Indian of conspiracy and money laundering.
Allegations suggest that the accused obtained properties worth around Rs 2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper.