ED moves Delhi HC against trial court’s ruling in National Herald case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step in the National Herald case, approaching the Delhi High Court to challenge a trial court order that declined to take cognisance of the money laundering complaint against prominent Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others. This move by the ED is a clear indication of its determination to pursue the case and bring those responsible to justice.
At the heart of the National Herald case is the allegation that assets worth over ₹2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited (AJL) were wrongfully taken over. AJL is the company that published the National Herald newspaper, which was founded by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1938. The newspaper had been a prominent voice for the Indian National Congress and had played a significant role in the country’s freedom struggle.
The ED’s investigation into the matter began after a complaint was filed by Subramanian Swamy, a BJP leader, alleging that the Gandhi family had misused their positions to acquire valuable assets belonging to AJL. The complaint claimed that the Gandhis had set up a company called Young Indian, which took over the assets of AJL, including prime real estate in various cities across India.
The ED’s probe into the matter revealed that Young Indian had been incorporated in 2010 with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as its majority shareholders. The company had acquired nearly 99% of AJL’s shares, effectively giving the Gandhis control over the valuable assets of the company. The ED alleged that this was a clear case of money laundering, as the assets of AJL had been acquired by Young Indian at a fraction of their actual value.
The trial court’s decision to decline cognisance of the ED’s complaint had come as a setback to the agency’s efforts to pursue the case. However, the ED has now approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the trial court’s order and seeking to revive the case against the Gandhis and other accused.
The ED’s move to approach the Delhi High Court is significant, as it indicates that the agency is not willing to let the matter rest. The case has significant implications for the Gandhis and the Indian National Congress, as it raises questions about the misuse of power and the acquisition of valuable assets through questionable means.
The National Herald case has been a long-running saga, with the ED’s investigation spanning several years. The case has seen its fair share of twists and turns, with the ED facing several setbacks and challenges in its pursuit of justice. However, the agency’s determination to pursue the case and bring those responsible to justice is a testament to its commitment to fighting corruption and money laundering.
As the case now moves to the Delhi High Court, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the ED’s appeal. The court’s decision will have significant implications for the Gandhis and the Indian National Congress, as well as for the ED’s efforts to pursue the case.
In conclusion, the ED’s move to approach the Delhi High Court in the National Herald case is a significant development that has the potential to impact the course of the case. The agency’s determination to pursue the case and bring those responsible to justice is a testament to its commitment to fighting corruption and money laundering. As the case moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the court rules on the ED’s appeal and what implications this will have for the Gandhis and the Indian National Congress.
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