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 seen as a significant setback for the agency’s investigation into the alleged money laundering case.
It has been alleged that assets worth over ₹2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited (AJL) were wrongfully taken over by the Congress leaders. The ED had filed a complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other Congress leaders, accusing them of laundering money and misusing their positions to acquire valuable assets.
The National Herald case has been a contentious issue for several years, with the ED investigating allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering. The case involves the acquisition of AJL, a company that owned several newspapers, including the National Herald, by a company called Young Indian Private Limited (YIPL). YIPL was incorporated in 2010, with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as its majority shareholders.
The ED has alleged that YIPL was used as a shell company to acquire AJL’s assets, including its properties and newspapers, at a heavily undervalued price. The agency has claimed that the acquisition was made possible through a complex web of financial transactions, involving several companies and individuals, including some with ties to the Congress party.
The trial court’s ruling, which declined to take cognisance of the ED’s complaint, has been seen as a significant blow to the agency’s investigation. The court had ruled that the ED’s complaint was not maintainable, as it was based on an earlier complaint filed by Subramanian Swamy, a BJP leader, which had been dismissed by the court.
The ED has now approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the trial court’s ruling and seeking to revive its investigation into the National Herald case. The agency has argued that the trial court’s ruling was erroneous and that it had failed to consider the evidence presented by the ED.
The National Herald case has significant implications for the Congress party and its leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The case has been seen as a test of the government’s willingness to investigate allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering against high-profile individuals.
The ED’s investigation into the National Herald case has been ongoing for several years, with the agency conducting raids and issuing summons to several individuals and companies. The agency has also attached several properties and assets belonging to AJL and YIPL, including a building in Delhi’s Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, which is estimated to be worth over ₹400 crore.
The Congress party has denied any wrongdoing in the National Herald case, with party leaders accusing the government of pursuing a vendetta against them. The party has argued that the ED’s investigation is motivated by political considerations and that the agency has failed to present any credible evidence to support its allegations.
The Delhi High Court’s ruling on the ED’s appeal is likely to be closely watched, as it will have significant implications for the National Herald case and the ongoing investigation into the alleged money laundering. The court’s decision will also be seen as a test of the judiciary’s independence and its willingness to hold high-profile individuals accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the ED’s move to approach the Delhi High Court against the trial court’s ruling in the National Herald case is a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The case has significant implications for the Congress party and its leaders, and the outcome of the ED’s appeal will be closely watched. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether the ED will be able to present credible evidence to support its allegations and whether the Congress leaders will be held accountable for their actions.
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