National Herald Money Laundering Case: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet against Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Sam Pitroda and other Congress leaders in the National Herald Money Laundering case. It is alleged that the assets of Associated Journal Limited were misused through Young Indian Limited and the Congress leaders got the benefit. The Rouse Avenue Court issued a notice to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald Dhan Laundering case.
On the case, the Rouse Avenue Court clearly stated that the right to listen to the accused cannot be taken away before taking cognizance of the charge sheet. The court insisted that the merits of the case will not be debated right now, only the accused will be given a chance to listen before granting summons.
What was the argument of ED?
The ED said that if the court issues notice and hears the accused, then he has no objection. Giving the example of the coal scam case, the ED said that the Supreme Court had stopped the proceedings on issuing summons without hearing there. The next hearing will be held on 7 May 2025. On this day, the court will decide whether he will issue summons to Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and others.
One of the most talked about political matters in India
The National Herald Money Laundering Case is one of the most popular political matters in India, in which deep questions have been raised about the transactions between Congress Party, Young Indian Private Limited, and Associated Journals Limited (AJL). It was transferred for just ₹ 50 lakh, in which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have 76% stake. Instead, Young Indian gained 99% stake of AJL and control over assets worth ₹ 2,000 crore.
ED investigation and charge sheet
In 2021, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) started an investigation considering this transaction as a case of money laundering. In April 2025, a charge sheet was filed against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, in which they were named accused No. 1 and 2 respectively. According to ED, Young Indian did not make any charitable activity, as he claimed. The charge sheet also states that this transfer of properties was part of a criminal conspiracy and fraud.