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 by approaching 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. This move by the ED is a clear indication that the agency is determined to pursue the case and bring those responsible to justice.
The National Herald case has been a long-standing one, with allegations of financial irregularities and wrongdoing by the Congress leaders. It has been alleged that assets worth over ₹2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited (AJL) were wrongfully taken over. The ED had filed a complaint against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others, alleging that they had indulged in money laundering and other financial irregularities.
The trial court had earlier declined to take cognisance of the ED’s complaint, citing lack of evidence. However, the ED has now challenged this order in the Delhi High Court, arguing that the trial court had erred in its decision. The ED has contended that it had provided sufficient evidence to support its allegations and that the trial court should have taken cognisance of the complaint.
The National Herald case has been a subject of controversy for many years, with the Congress party and its leaders maintaining that the allegations are baseless and politically motivated. However, the ED’s decision to approach the Delhi High Court is a clear indication that the agency is serious about pursuing the case and bringing those responsible to justice.
The case has its roots in the 1930s, when the National Herald newspaper was founded by Jawaharlal Nehru. The newspaper was later taken over by the Congress party, and it was published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL). However, the newspaper ceased publication in 2008, and the AJL’s assets were subsequently taken over by a company called Young Indian Private Limited (YIPL).
It has been alleged that YIPL was set up by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and that the company had taken over the AJL’s assets worth over ₹2,000 crore. The ED has alleged that this was done with the intention of laundering money and avoiding taxes. The agency has also alleged that the Congress leaders had used the AJL’s assets for their personal benefit, rather than for the benefit of the company or its shareholders.
The ED’s investigation into the National Herald case has been ongoing for many years, and the agency has gathered significant evidence to support its allegations. The agency has also questioned several individuals, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, in connection with the case.
The Delhi High Court’s decision in the case will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for the Congress party and its leaders. If the court upholds the ED’s appeal, it could lead to further investigation and potentially even prosecution of the Congress leaders. On the other hand, if the court dismisses the ED’s appeal, it could be seen as a major setback for the agency and a victory for the Congress party.
In conclusion, the ED’s decision to approach the Delhi High Court in the National Herald case is a significant development. The case has been a subject of controversy for many years, and the ED’s move is a clear indication that the agency is determined to pursue the case and bring those responsible to justice. The Delhi High Court’s decision will be closely watched, and it has significant implications for the Congress party and its leaders.
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