A Delhi court on December 16, 2025, declined to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet in the money laundering case linked to the National Herald newspaper, providing temporary relief to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, along with five other accused. Special Judge Rakesh Syal refused to accept the prosecution complaint filed by the ED, citing procedural grounds, while permitting the agency to continue its ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularities.
The case stems from accusations that the Gandhis and others transferred assets of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), publisher of National Herald, to Young Indian Private Limited (YIPL)—a company largely owned by them—for a nominal sum, allegedly causing loss to AJL shareholders. The ED's probe, initiated after a private complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, alleges money laundering through this transaction structure.
The court's decision means no formal trial will commence at this stage based on the current chargesheet. Legal experts note that the ED can address any deficiencies highlighted and refile the complaint, potentially prolonging the proceedings that have been politically contentious since 2012.
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Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and co-accused, including Motilal Vora (deceased), Oscar Fernandes (deceased), Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, and Young Indian, have consistently denied wrongdoing, describing the case as a politically motivated vendetta by the ruling BJP to target opposition leaders.
With the probe allowed to proceed, the matter remains active, underscoring the prolonged legal battles surrounding the Congress-linked newspaper's assets and the Gandhi family's involvement.
As reactions from political circles emerge, the ruling offers interim respite to the Congress leadership amid ongoing electoral and parliamentary activities.
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