Court Rejects ED Charges Against Gandhis, Others in National Herald Case

A Delhi court has rejected the Enforcement Directorate's money laundering charges against Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, citing that the complaint lacked an official FIR foundation. The legal proceedings against them and other accused individuals, connected to the National Herald case, were deemed impermissible under the law.

In a significant legal development, a Delhi court has declined to recognize the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) money laundering prosecution against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others in the high-profile National Herald case. The ruling cited the absence of an official First Information Report (FIR) as the basis for the decision.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne stated that the prosecution complaint, akin to a chargesheet, concerning money laundering, lacks legal standing without an FIR, as mandated by the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The complaint originated from a private individual, rather than an official FIR.

The court emphasized the need for an FIR for any substantive investigation into money laundering allegations, highlighting the guidelines laid out by the Supreme Court on this matter. With the proceedings dismissed, the Gandhis and others have been granted relief from these charges.

(With inputs from agencies.)