New Delhi, India – December 16, 2025 : In a significant development in the National Herald money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced plans to file a fresh chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, along with others, by taking cognizance of a new FIR registered by Delhi Police. This move comes hours after a Delhi lower court refused to acknowledge the ED’s previous chargesheet filed in April, citing procedural grounds.
The court ruled that the ED’s complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was impermissible as it stemmed from a private complaint rather than a police FIR. Judge Vishal Gogne emphasized that such filings must align with legal protocols, providing immediate relief to the Gandhis and stalling the probe temporarily.
ED officials stated they will now incorporate the Delhi Police FIR—related to alleged irregularities in Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and Young Indian Pvt Ltd—into a revised prosecution complaint. The case involves accusations of fund misappropriation, where the Gandhis are linked as major stakeholders in Young Indian, which acquired AJL’s assets.
Congress hailed the court’s decision as a vindication, with leaders claiming “truth has prevailed” amid what they call politically motivated harassment. Critics, however, argue the refiling could prolong the legal battle, potentially impacting the party’s image.
The National Herald case, originating from a 2012 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, has seen multiple twists, including summons and asset attachments worth over ₹751 crore by ED.
Stay updated on the Sonia and Rahul Gandhi ED probe, court rulings, and political fallout as investigations continue.
