Delhi court rejects National Herald money laundering case against Gandhis

New Delhi, Dec 16: In a major relief for Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, a Delhi court on Tuesday refused to take cognisance of the National Herald money laundering chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court said the complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was not maintainable as it was based on a private complaint, not a First Information Report (FIR). Alongside the Gandhis, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise, and Sunil Bhandari were named in the ED chargesheet.

The Congress party hailed the decision, calling it a triumph of truth. In a statement on X, the party said, “The malicious and illegal actions of the Modi government have been completely exposed. The court has ruled that the ED’s case is beyond its jurisdiction, as it lacks any FIR… Satyameva Jayate.”

Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi described the case as exaggerated, noting, “There is not a millimeter movement of money or property. All properties remain with AJL, now 90 per cent owned by Young India. The case is not worth taking cognisance of.”
The court also ruled that the accused are not entitled to receive a copy of the FIR registered by Delhi Police in connection with the case, though they may be informed that it has been filed.

Sources indicated that the ED is likely to appeal against the order, and its legal team will evaluate the detailed judgment.