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In a major development in the National Herald case, the Rouse Avenue Court has declined to take cognizance of the ED’s chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others.
Relief to Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald case
New Delhi: Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others have received significant relief in the National Herald case. The Rouse Avenue Court has refused to take cognizance of the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the time being. The court clarified that this decision will not affect the investigation, and the ED can continue its probe.
The ED filed a chargesheet against the Gandhi family and other accused under Section 66 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on April 9. The special court at Rouse Avenue Court heard the matter and refused to take cognizance of the chargesheet for now. The court stated that the investigation should continue and the accused will not be provided with a copy of the FIR at this stage.
Congress wrote on social media X that the court has ruled that the ED case is without jurisdiction, it has no FIR without which there is no case.
Truth has prevailed
The malafide and illegality of the Modi govt stands fully exposed. Proceedings of ED against the Congress leadership - Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji and Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, in the Young Indian case have been found completely illegal and malafide by the Honourable…
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 16, 2025
The National Herald case began in 2012 with a complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. The case involves Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which publishes the National Herald newspaper. AJL had significant debts, which the Congress party helped clear by providing an interest-free loan of Rs 90.25 crore.
Later, this debt was transferred to Young Indian Private Limited (YIL) for a mere Rs 50 lakh. Through this transfer, AJL's assets worth billions of rupees in Delhi, Mumbai, and other places came under the control of YIL. The ED alleges that the scheme was devised to seize government property for private gain and for the purpose of money laundering.
The Rouse Avenue Court stated that it would not take cognizance of the charge sheet at this time. The court also clarified that a copy of the FIR would not be provided to the accused. However, there is no stay on the investigation, and the ED can continue its probe. The court's decision comes amidst political and legal turmoil.
The National Herald case has become a significant political and legal controversy in India. The dispute between the Congress and the BJP over this case has been protracted. Political analysts say that this case is not only of legal but also of political importance. Its outcome could impact the political and electoral landscape in the future.
The Rouse Avenue Court's decision is a relief for the Gandhi family, but the investigation continues. The National Herald case will remain a subject of discussion in Indian politics and law for a long time. The outcome of this case will not only affect the balance between political parties but will also be considered historic from a legal perspective.
