New Delhi – In a big win for Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, a special court in Delhi on Tuesday refused to take cognizance of the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the long-running National Herald money laundering case. The court said the ED’s complaint was based on a private complaint and not on a proper police FIR for the main offence, so it could not start proceedings at this stage.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne at the Rouse Avenue Court made it clear that the case stems from a complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, and not from a registered FIR on a scheduled offence under money laundering laws. However, the judge allowed the ED to continue its investigation. The court also ruled that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other accused persons are not entitled to get a copy of the FIR filed by Delhi Police in this matter right now.
This decision comes as a huge relief for the Gandhi family and the Congress party, which has always called the case a political attack by the ruling BJP government.
What the Court Said Exactly
The judge noted that for a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), there needs to be a clear underlying crime, called a predicate offence, registered properly. Here, the ED’s probe started from Swamy’s private complaint, and a magistrate’s order summoning the accused. Since Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has already registered an FIR based on ED’s input, the court felt it was too early to decide on the merits of the ED’s chargesheet.
Sources say the ED is not happy with this order and plans to challenge it in a higher court soon.
Reactions from Congress Party
The Congress party was quick to celebrate the court’s decision. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the official Congress handle said: “Truth has prevailed. The malicious and illegal actions of the Modi government have been completely exposed. The Hon’ble Court has found the ED’s actions against the Congress leadership—Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji and Shri Rahul Gandhi ji—in the Young Indian case to be unlawful and motivated by malice.”
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera called it a “moral and legal victory” for the party. He told reporters outside the court, “This case was bogus from day one. It was just a way to harass our leaders. Today, the court has shown that truth wins in the end.”
Another party spokesperson said, “No case of money laundering, no proceeds of crime, no movement of property – all baseless charges that have been part of political witch hunt, propaganda and reputation damage. Today, that campaign stands defeated.”
Background of the National Herald Case
The National Herald newspaper was started in 1938 by Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters. It was published by a company called Associated Journals Limited (AJL). Over the years, the paper stopped printing due to financial problems, and AJL owed around Rs 90 crore to the Congress party as an interest-free loan.
In 2010, a new not-for-profit company called Young Indian Private Limited was formed. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi hold 38% shares each in Young Indian (total 76%), with the rest held by other Congress leaders like late Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes.
Young Indian took over AJL’s shares by converting the Congress loan into equity for just Rs 50 lakh. This gave Young Indian control over AJL’s valuable properties in cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow, worth over Rs 2,000 crore according to some estimates.
In 2012, Subramanian Swamy filed a private complaint alleging cheating, breach of trust and conspiracy. He claimed the Gandhis used Young Indian to grab AJL’s assets cheaply.
The ED joined in 2021, treating it as money laundering. They questioned Sonia and Rahul Gandhi multiple times in 2022 and attached some properties. In April 2025, ED filed its chargesheet naming Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise and Sunil Bhandari as accused.
The Congress has always denied any wrongdoing. They say the loan was given to revive the newspaper linked to the freedom struggle, and no personal gain was made. Young Indian is a charitable company, and the transaction was to keep the National Herald’s legacy alive.
Timeline of Key Events in the Case
The case has been going on for over 13 years now. Here are some important dates:
- 1938: National Herald newspaper launched by Jawaharlal Nehru.
- 2008: Newspaper stops printing due to losses.
- 2010: Young Indian formed; takes over AJL.
- 2012: Subramanian Swamy files private complaint in court.
- 2014: Trial court summons Sonia and Rahul Gandhi as accused.
- 2015: Gandhis appear in court; get bail.
- 2021: ED starts money laundering probe.
- 2022: Sonia and Rahul questioned by ED for several days.
- April 2025: ED files chargesheet.
- December 16, 2025: Delhi court refuses to take cognisance of ED chargesheet.
There have been many hearings in between, with the Gandhis challenging summons and attachments in higher courts.
What Happens Next?
Even though the court has refused to start proceedings on the ED chargesheet for now, the investigation is not over. Delhi Police EOW is probing the FIR they registered in October 2025 based on ED’s complaint. Once police finish their probe and file a chargesheet, ED might file a fresh complaint.
Legal experts say this order is a big setback for ED at this stage, but the case could go on if appealed or if new developments happen.
One lawyer close to the case said, “This reinforces that PMLA cannot be used loosely. There needs to be solid proof of crime proceeds and laundering.”
From the Congress side, leaders feel this exposes the government’s misuse of agencies. A party worker outside the court shouted, “Satyameva Jayate!” meaning truth alone triumphs.
Why This Case Matters Politically
The National Herald case has been a big political tool for both sides. BJP leaders have often called it proof of Congress corruption involving the Gandhi family. Congress says it is pure vendetta because Rahul Gandhi is a strong opposition voice.
With elections always around the corner in some state or the other, such cases keep making headlines. Today’s court order will boost Congress morale, especially after recent poll setbacks in some states.
Statements from Involved Parties
- Congress official statement: “The ED’s proceedings against Congress leadership have been found completely illegal and malafide by the court. The malafide and illegality of the Modi government stands fully exposed.”
- Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi (who argued for Gandhis earlier): In past hearings, he called the case “very strange and unprecedented” with no real property movement or personal gain.
- ED sources: The agency plans to appeal the order in higher court.
No direct statement from Sonia or Rahul Gandhi yet, but party leaders say they are relieved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the National Herald case all about?
The case is about how a company called Young Indian, where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are major shareholders, took control of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the owner of National Herald newspaper. Critics say it was done cheaply to grab valuable land and buildings worth thousands of crores. Congress says it was to save the newspaper’s legacy and no one made personal profit.
2. Why did the court reject the ED chargesheet today?
The judge said money laundering cases need a proper underlying crime registered as an FIR by police. Here, it started from a private complaint by Subramanian Swamy. So, taking cognizance now is not allowed under law. But ED can investigate further.
3. Does this mean Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are completely free from the case?
No, not fully. It’s a relief because no trial will start on this ED chargesheet right now. But Delhi Police is still probing, and ED can file again later or appeal this order.
4. Who are the other accused in this case?
Besides Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, names include Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, late Motilal Vora, late Oscar Fernandes, Young Indian company, Dotex Merchandise and Sunil Bhandari.
5. Has any money or property been proven laundered?
The court today noted there is no clear proceeds of crime shown at this stage. Congress says there never was any laundering – it was just a loan conversion to help a historic newspaper.
6. Will the ED give up now?
No. Sources say ED will challenge the order in Delhi High Court. They are waiting for Delhi Police probe to finish too.
7. How old is this case?
It started in 2012 with Swamy’s complaint. So, more than 13 years old. Many say it’s dragged on too long.
This is a developing story. The political heat around it will continue as both sides use it for their narratives.