Rouse Avenue Court Reserves Order in National Herald Case
Law Mail Desk
New Delhi, July 14, 2025:
The Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi today reserved its order on the Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, along with several others, in the high-profile National Herald money laundering case.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne stated that the court would pronounce its decision on whether to take cognizance of the ED's allegations on July 29.
Background of the Case
The National Herald case started with a private complaint filed by former Union Minister Subramanian Swamy. The ED on April 15, 2025 filed a prosecution complaint.
The Enforcement Directorate has accused Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others of laundering proceeds of crime arising from the alleged fraudulent takeover of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper.
The agency alleges that AJL’s properties, valued at over ₹2,000 crore, were illegally acquired by Young Indian Pvt Ltd, a company in which the Gandhis are majority stakeholders.
The prosecution complaint names Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, Sunil Bhandari, and the companies Young Indian and Dotex Merchandise as key accused parties.
According to the ED, Young Indian was used as a vehicle to usurp AJL’s assets by paying a nominal sum, thereby misappropriating property meant for public good for personal benefit.
Proceedings in Court
The court heard arguments from both the prosecution and defense. Representing the ED, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju described the transactions as a textbook case of money laundering and criminal conspiracy.
Defense lawyers for the accused, including senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and R.S. Cheema, argued that the case was without precedent, claiming no actual assets were laundered and that the transactions were part of an effort to revive the National Herald newspaper, not for personal gain.
The court also examined the role of Dotex Merchandise and the nature of the loans involved. Defense counsel maintained there was no conspiracy or awareness of wrongdoing on the part of Dotex.
What Happens Next
The Rouse Avenue Court has set July 29, 2025, as the date for delivering its order on whether to take cognizance of the prosecution complaint. Until then, the high-stakes case stands at a decisive point, with both sides closely awaiting the court’s verdict.
Key Points
* This case involves allegations of money laundering and fraudulent acquisition of assets worth over ₹2,000 crore.
* The case carries major political and legal implications, involving prominent Congress leaders.
* The court’s decision on July 29 will determine the future course of the prosecution.
