Delhi Court Rejects ED Case Against Sonia & Rahul Gandhi

On Tuesday, a Delhi court refused to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) money laundering case involving Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and five others in connection with the National Herald case.

The Rouse Avenue Court observed that the ED’s prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) could not be entertained because it originated from a private complaint, not a First Information Report (FIR). The court also pointed out that the Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police had already filed an FIR in this matter, making any decision on the ED’s submission premature.

Although the court dismissed the ED case, it clarified that the agency is still allowed to continue its investigation and may challenge the order through an appeal.

The Congress party welcomed the verdict, calling it a victory for truth. In a social media post, the party stated that the court found the ED’s case to be without jurisdiction, as there was no FIR to support it. Congress described the case as politically motivated and accused the government of targeting opposition leaders over the last decade.

The ED had alleged that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, along with other senior Congress figures including Sam Pitroda, conspired to unlawfully take control of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the parent company of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper.

About the National Herald Case:
Established in 1938, the National Herald functioned as a newspaper closely linked with Congress. The publication ceased operations in 2008 with debts totaling ₹90.21 crore but retained real estate assets valued at approximately ₹2,000 crore. The ED claims these properties are now worth ₹5,000 crore.

The case dates back to November 2012, when a private complaint accused the Gandhis and other Congress leaders of acquiring AJL properties for just ₹50 lakh, including Delhi’s Herald House and properties in Mumbai. These assets alone are estimated to be worth ₹661 crore. Further allegations suggest that AJL earned substantial rental income from these properties, which the ED has categorized as "proceeds of crime" worth nearly ₹998 crore.

Reactions to the verdict have been mixed. While Congress labeled the case a political vendetta, opposition critics accused the party of attempting to divert attention. Some allies, including Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, defended Congress, calling the charges an abuse of investigative powers for political purposes.