Special Judge Vishal Gogne at Rouse Avenue Court seeks more evidence from ED in the National Herald money laundering case involving Congress leaders.
Case in News
Delhi Court seeks more info in National Herald Case and refuses to issue notice to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi for now .
Case Overview
Case Name – Enforcement Directorate vs. Rahul Gandhi & Ors.
In a major development in the National Herald Case the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi presided over by Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI) Vishal Gogne refused to issue notice at this stage to Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and other accused . The Enforcement Directorate had filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against the Congress leaders under allegations of money laundering . However, the Court stated that it must 1st be convinced before issuing notices and has ordered the ED to bring more relevant documents and rectify procedural defects.
Key Aspects
- The Enforcement Directorate filed a prosecution complaint against Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and others on 15th April 2025 .
- The charges involved alleged money laundering in connection with a ₹90 crore loan from Congress to AJL .
- The case accuses Young Indian a Gandhi family-linked firm of misappropriation of over ₹2,000 crore .
- The ED argued that notices are needed before taking cognizance under the PMLA .
- The Court sought clarity and documentary sufficiency before proceeding further .
Legal Insights
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) – Basis for prosecution complaint by ED .
- Section 3 & 4, PMLA – Defines and penalizes offences relating to money laundering .
- CrPC Section 204 – Relating to issuance of process (notice/summons) after cognizance is taken.
- Judge stressed the procedural requirement for judicial satisfaction before summoning the accused.
Court’s Verdict
The Rouse Avenue Court refused to issue notice to Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and others for now in the National Herald Case . The Court asked the Enforcement Directorate to address defects in the complaint and bring additional documents on record . The next hearing is scheduled for 2nd May 2025 . The Court made it clear that notices would not be issued until judicial satisfaction is achieved .
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