Delhi Court Defers Order on ED’s Supplementary Chargesheet in National Herald Case to December 16
Delhi court postpones decision on ED chargesheet against Gandhis.
In a significant procedural development in the long-running National Herald money-laundering investigation, a Delhi court on Friday deferred its crucial order on whether to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s supplementary chargesheet until December 16, extending uncertainty for Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
The case, being heard by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja at Rouse Avenue Court, revolves around allegations that the Gandhis and other accused misused assets of Associated Journals Limited — publisher of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper — through a complex web of transactions involving Young Indian Private Limited. The ED’s latest chargesheet, filed earlier this year, reportedly strengthens the agency’s claim of financial irregularities exceeding several hundred crores.
During Friday’s hearing, the court was scheduled to decide whether the evidence presented by the ED met the threshold required to formally proceed against the accused. However, after hearing submissions from both the prosecution and defence counsel, the judge opted to reserve the order, citing the need for additional time to examine voluminous documents and legal precedents. Senior advocates representing the Congress leaders argued vigorously against taking cognisance, terming the probe politically motivated.
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The postponement marks yet another chapter in a case that has remained politically charged since its inception over a decade ago. Originally triggered by a private complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy in 2012, the investigation has progressed through multiple agencies and courts, repeatedly placing the Gandhi family under legal scrutiny despite their consistent denial of wrongdoing and assertions that no personal gain was involved.
As the matter now stands adjourned for over two weeks, the December 16 ruling will determine whether Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other co-accused will face formal trial under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The outcome is being closely watched as a potential turning point in one of independent India’s most high-profile financial crime probes involving the country’s principal opposition leadership.
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