National Herald Case: Court Delays Decision on ED Chargesheet, Sets New Date for Verdict

The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has postponed the decision on the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case to December 16. The case implicates prominent Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, with allegations of financial irregularities involving Associated Journals Ltd.

The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has once more deferred its decision regarding the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case, setting a new date of December 16 for its verdict. The document implicates several senior Congress leaders under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), among them Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others linked to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald.

Reflecting the high stakes, previous hearings have seen Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, for the ED, push for directives compelling the accused to submit their responses. However, this move was countered by Senior Advocate Pramod Dubey representing Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, and other defense attorneys requesting more time to review case details. Noteworthy legal figures like Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, RS Cheema, and others have been drawn into the proceedings, highlighting its significance.

The court's approach underscores fundamental legal principles; Special Judge Vishal Gogne emphasized the accused's right to be heard prior to any cognisance decision, a mandate fortified by Section 223 of the BNSS. This procedural fairness, mandated by law, does not oppose PMLA regulations, instead reinforcing transparency in judicial processes. The case's initiation traces back to a complaint by former MP Subramanian Swamy, which charged Congress figures with fund misappropriation.

(With inputs from agencies.)