Sonia and Rahul Gandhi Face Increased Difficulties in National Herald Money Laundering Case; Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court Issues Notices.
New Delhi: The difficulties for senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have intensified in the National Herald money laundering case. The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi issued notices on Friday. These notices were issued on the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other accused. The court has summoned them to clarify their positions.
The National Herald Money Laundering Case
This case is linked to the National Herald newspaper, founded in 1938 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Initially a prominent newspaper, its operations ceased in 2008 due to financial difficulties and losses.
The controversy arose when it emerged that the Congress party had provided a loan of ₹90 crore to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which was later transferred to Young India Private Limited.
Young India's Investment and Allegations
The allegation is that Young India acquired AJL's assets for only ₹50 lakh, while the actual value of these assets was estimated to be in hundreds of crores. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi hold a 76% stake in Young India. Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint in court in 2012, following which the ED launched an investigation into allegations of money laundering.
Timeline of the Case
This case has been under the scrutiny of courts and investigative agencies for years, with several significant events:
2012: Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint in court regarding the case.
2014: The Enforcement Directorate launched an investigation and summoned Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
2015: The Patiala House Court granted bail to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
2022: The ED issued notices to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to appear.
2025: The Delhi Court issued notices during the hearing of the chargesheet.
The Congress Leaders' Stance
The Congress party has consistently termed this case a political conspiracy. The party maintains that no wrongdoing occurred and all actions were legal. Conversely, the BJP and other opposition parties view the matter as a serious allegation and have demanded a thorough investigation.
