In a significant legal development, a court in Delhi has declined to accept the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the high-profile National Herald case. The order, delivered on 16 December 2025, marks a major setback for the central probe agency in this long-running investigation.
Court's Rationale for Rejection
The court provided a clear legal basis for its decision. It observed that the case pursued by the ED was initiated based on a complaint from a private individual. Crucially, the court pointed out that the investigation was not predicated on a First Information Report (FIR) concerning a scheduled offence. This distinction formed the core of the court's reasoning for refusing to take cognisance of the federal agency's chargesheet against the prominent political figures.
Enforcement Directorate's Next Move
Reacting swiftly to the court's order, the Enforcement Directorate has decided to challenge the ruling. Officials confirmed that the agency will file an appeal against the court's decision. This indicates that the legal battle surrounding the National Herald case is far from over and is poised to enter its next phase in a higher judicial forum.
Background and Implications
The National Herald case involves allegations of financial irregularities related to the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited, the publisher of the historic National Herald newspaper, by Young Indian Private Limited, in which the Gandhis hold a majority stake. The court's latest order introduces a fresh twist to this politically sensitive matter, which has been a focal point of contention between the Congress party and the central government for years. The decision is likely to have substantial political ramifications and will influence the ongoing discourse on the use of investigative agencies.
The legal proceedings continue to draw national attention, underscoring the intricate interplay between law, politics, and media in India's contemporary landscape.
