On May 2, 2025, a Delhi court issued notices to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in connection with the National Herald money laundering case. Special Judge Vishal Gogne emphasized the accused’s “right to be heard” before the court takes cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet. This principle aligns with Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which underscores the importance of a fair trial .

The ED’s chargesheet, filed on April 9, 2025, names Sonia and Rahul Gandhi as accused numbers 1 and 2, respectively. The charges pertain to alleged money laundering activities involving Young Indian Private Limited, a company where the Gandhis hold a 76% stake. The ED alleges that Young Indian acquired assets worth approximately ₹2,000 crore from Associated Journals Limited (AJL) for a mere ₹50 lakh, identifying ₹988 crore as proceeds of crime .

In addition to the Gandhis, the court has issued notices to Congress leader Sam Pitroda, former journalist Suman Dubey, and entities including Young Indian and Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd. The next hearing is scheduled for May 8, 2025 .

The National Herald case originated from a 2014 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, alleging financial misconduct in the acquisition of AJL’s assets by Young Indian. The ED’s investigation formally commenced in 2021 following this complaint .

Sources