National Herald case crumbles as Delhi Court rejects ED charges against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi

In a decisive legal victory for Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, a Delhi court on December 16 dismissed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet accusing them of money laundering in the National Herald case.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court ruled that the ED’s complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was not maintainable, as it was based on a private complaint rather than a valid First Information Report (FIR).

The case, which has simmered for over a decade amid allegations of forgery and illegal property acquisition, was dealt a severe blow as the court refused to take cognisance of the ED’s chargesheet. Alongside the Gandhis, accused included Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise, and Sunil Bhandari.

The Congress party hailed the ruling as a triumph of truth over political vendetta. In an official statement, the party condemned the Modi government’s prolonged campaign against its leadership as “malicious and illegal,” asserting the court exposed the ED’s actions as “unlawful and motivated by malice.” The party emphasized that the court found the ED lacked jurisdiction without an FIR, a critical procedural flaw that undermines the entire case.

“No money laundering, no proceeds of crime, and no unlawful property transfer—these baseless allegations fueled by petty politics and hatred have been thoroughly demolished,” the Congress said, reaffirming its commitment to fight for justice and truth. The statement concluded with the powerful declaration, “Satyameva Jayate.”

Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who argued the case, described the charges as “weird” and “exaggerated,” highlighting the absence of any actual movement of money or property. He explained that Associated Journals Limited (AJL) remains the owner of the properties in question, which are now 90% owned by Young Indian—a fact that negates the claim of money laundering.

However, despite this victory, the court ruled that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others are not entitled to copies of the FIR registered by Delhi Police related to the case, only that they may be informed of its registration.

Sources indicate that the ED is likely to challenge the court’s decision, with their legal team reviewing the judgment and preparing to file an appeal. The agency has argued the case involves serious economic offenses worth over ₹2,000 crore in property.

This judgment marks a critical juncture in a politically charged saga, signaling judicial pushback against what many view as a politically motivated crackdown on the opposition. The National Herald case, long seen as a symbol of the struggle between the ruling party and its fiercest critics, has now been significantly undermined by this landmark court ruling.