A Delhi court has recently issued a notice to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case. The case has garnered significant attention due to its high-profile nature, involving prominent political figures and serious allegations of financial mismanagement.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne, presiding over the case at the Rouse Avenue Courts, passed the order on Friday. The court’s notice follows the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) prosecution complaint filed earlier this month, which accuses the Gandhis of money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002. The complaint specifically refers to Sections 44 and 45 of the PMLA, which address the offense of money laundering.
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The case revolves around the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper. In 2010, a newly formed company, Young Indian Pvt Ltd (YIL), took over AJL’s debts, which were owed to the Indian National Congress (INC), for just ₹50 lakh. As a result, YIL gained control of AJL’s assets, valued at more than ₹2,000 crore. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, who held the majority stake in YIL, are accused of using party funds to gain control over these valuable properties.
The ED’s investigation, which began in 2014, delves into the financial transactions between the Congress party, AJL, and YIL. The agency alleges that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other Congress leaders were involved in a scheme to divert AJL’s assets for personal benefit. The ED has also sought to seize properties linked to AJL, valued at approximately ₹661 crore, under the provisions of PMLA.
The case has sparked considerable debate, with the accused maintaining their innocence, while the opposition parties argue that the charges are politically motivated. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will handle the case and whether any substantial evidence will come to light.
In the words of the court, “The notice has been issued to the concerned parties to clarify their positions and present their defense.” This case, which has significant political and legal implications, is likely to draw further attention as it unfolds.
