Top News

PTC Web Desk:  The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Thursday issued notices to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other accused in connection with the National Herald money laundering case. The court will now consider whether to formally take cognisance of the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against them.

The court observed that all deficiencies in the chargesheet have been rectified, shifting focus to whether a notice under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) should be issued. It underscored that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others named in the ED chargesheet have the right to be heard at this stage before any decision is made regarding cognisance.

The judge clarified that this right stems from a special provision of Section 223 BNSS, which provides legal protection to the accused during the preliminary stage of proceedings. The court also stated that this protection aligns with the principles of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and strengthens the right to a fair trial.

Emphasising that hearing the accused at this juncture does not disadvantage the ED, the court noted that such an opportunity ensures procedural fairness. The Additional Solicitor General, appearing for the ED, supported the issuance of notice, affirming the agency’s commitment to a fair trial. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on May 8.

Background of the case

The ED has accused Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating a criminal conspiracy to unlawfully acquire properties belonging to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald, estimated to be worth Rs 2,000 crore. According to the agency, 99% of AJL's shares were transferred to Young Indian, a private company controlled by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, for just ₹50 lakh. Along with the Gandhis, Congress leaders Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey have also been named as accused in the case.