A Delhi court on Friday issued formal notices to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the long-running National Herald money laundering case, following a probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The case, which traces its origin to a private criminal complaint filed more than a decade ago, has now reached a pivotal juncture as the court prepares to hear arguments from the accused.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne underscored the importance of procedural fairness while issuing the notices. “Right to be heard at any stage breathes life into a fair trial,” the judge remarked, scheduling the next hearing for May 8.
The ED’s investigation stems from a private complaint filed in June 2014 by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. The complaint alleged criminal conspiracy and financial impropriety involving top Congress leaders in relation to the acquisition of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper.
Allegations of Misappropriation and Asset Control
At the centre of the controversy is the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the parent company of the National Herald, and the formation of Young Indian, a not-for-profit company in which both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi allegedly hold 38% shareholding each.
The ED alleges that the structure was deliberately created to enable the indirect acquisition of real estate assets originally held by AJL. According to the agency, these assets—estimated to be worth over ₹2,000 crore—include prime properties in Delhi, Lucknow, and Mumbai.
The agency further claims that the Congress party had extended an unsecured loan of approximately ₹90 crore to AJL. This debt was later transferred to Young Indian for a nominal amount of ₹50 lakh. Through this transaction, ED alleges, Young Indian effectively gained control over AJL and its vast real estate portfolio. The ED pegs the total amount laundered through the arrangement at around ₹988 crore.
Congress Terms Case ‘Political Vendetta’
Responding to the development, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the proceedings, alleging misuse of investigative agencies by the Centre for political ends.
“You must have noticed how, as part of a big conspiracy, the names of CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have been put in the chargesheet in the National Herald case,” Mr Kharge said while addressing party leaders in New Delhi.
He reiterated that Young Indian is a not-for-profit company and asserted that the case reflects “a spirit of vendetta” against the principal opposition party.
Background and Proceedings
The criminal proceedings were originally initiated before a magistrate court, which took cognizance of the complaint in 2014. The ED subsequently registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in 2021 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on the allegations made in the private complaint.
Friday’s order marks the continuation of legal scrutiny on one of the most prominent political families in India and adds to the string of legal challenges faced by senior Congress leaders in recent years.
The matter will next be heard on May 8, when Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other accused are expected to respond to the court’s summons.
