ED moves Delhi HC against trial court’s ruling in National Herald case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the trial court order that declined to take cognisance of the money laundering complaint against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others in the National Herald case. The ED’s move comes after the trial court’s ruling, which has been deemed unsatisfactory by the agency. It has been alleged that assets worth over ₹2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited (AJL) were wrongfully taken over.
The National Herald case has been a long-standing one, with allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering leveled against the Gandhi family and other Congress leaders. The case began in 2012, when Subramanian Swamy, a BJP leader, filed a complaint alleging that the Gandhis had misappropriated funds from the AJL, which published the National Herald newspaper. The complaint alleged that the Gandhis had used their positions to acquire the assets of the AJL, which included prime real estate in Delhi and other cities, at a fraction of their true value.
The ED’s investigation into the case has been ongoing for several years, with the agency alleging that the Gandhis and other Congress leaders had laundered money to the tune of ₹2,000 crore. The agency has claimed that the money was laundered through a complex web of transactions involving shell companies and other entities. The ED has also alleged that the Gandhis had used their influence to acquire the assets of the AJL, which were then used for personal gain.
The trial court’s ruling, which declined to take cognisance of the ED’s complaint, has been challenged by the agency on the grounds that it was “erroneous” and “unsustainable”. The ED has argued that the trial court had failed to consider the evidence presented by the agency, which included documents and witness statements. The agency has also argued that the trial court had erred in its interpretation of the law, and that the ruling was “contrary to the principles of natural justice”.
The ED’s move to challenge the trial court’s ruling in the Delhi High Court is seen as a significant development in the National Herald case. The agency’s decision to approach the high court reflects its determination to pursue the case against the Gandhis and other Congress leaders. The case is likely to be closely watched, given its high-profile nature and the fact that it involves some of the most prominent leaders of the Congress party.
The National Herald case has been a major point of contention between the Congress party and the BJP, with the latter alleging that the Gandhis had engaged in financial irregularities and money laundering. The case has also been seen as a test of the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability. The ED’s move to challenge the trial court’s ruling is likely to be seen as a positive development by those who believe that the government should take a tough stance against corruption.
The Delhi High Court is likely to hear the ED’s appeal in the coming weeks, and the outcome of the case is likely to be closely watched. If the high court rules in favor of the ED, it could pave the way for further action against the Gandhis and other Congress leaders. On the other hand, if the high court upholds the trial court’s ruling, it could be seen as a setback for the ED and the government’s efforts to fight corruption.
In conclusion, the ED’s move to challenge the trial court’s ruling in the National Herald case is a significant development that reflects the agency’s determination to pursue the case against the Gandhis and other Congress leaders. The case is likely to be closely watched, given its high-profile nature and the fact that it involves some of the most prominent leaders of the Congress party. As the case proceeds, it will be important to monitor the developments and see how the Delhi High Court rules on the ED’s appeal.
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