Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 25: A special court at Rouse Avenue on Friday declined to issue notices to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case, directing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to first submit complete documents and rectify procedural lapses.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne stated, "I cannot pass such an order until satisfied," after the ED argued that the court could take cognisance without hearing the accused. The matter is now listed for hearing on May 2.

The ED recently filed a charge sheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, naming Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey and others. It alleges that Congress leaders misappropriated properties of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the original publisher of National Herald, by transferring assets to Young Indian Pvt Ltd, where the Gandhis are majority stakeholders.

The alleged proceeds of crime are valued at Rs 988 cr. The ED claims Young Indian acquired AJL’s assets at a nominal Rs 50 lac, bypassing proper valuation. Properties worth Rs 661 cr and AJL shares worth Rs 90.2 cr were attached in 2023.

The case originated in 2012 with a complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, accusing the Congress of converting public trust assets into private control. The court's decision puts the onus on ED to present stronger evidence before any notices are issued.