Delhi Court Grants Relief to Gandhis in Herald Case
A Delhi court has granted interim relief to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, temporarily staying further proceedings against them. The order comes amid an ongoing legal battle related to alleged financial irregularities linked to the takeover of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that publishes the National Herald newspaper.
The court directed that no coercive action be taken against the Gandhis until the next date of hearing. The relief was granted while the court considers their challenge to an earlier order that had allowed the case to proceed.
Background of the Case
The National Herald case relates to allegations that Young Indian Private Limited, a company in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are majority shareholders, acquired AJL assets in a manner that violated financial and legal norms. The Congress leaders have consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the transaction was aimed at reviving the newspaper and that no personal financial gain was involved.
The case was initiated based on a private complaint and has been under judicial scrutiny for several years, with multiple rounds of hearings in trial courts and higher courts.
Defence Argues Lack of Criminal Intent
Senior advocates representing the Gandhis argued before the court that the allegations do not disclose any criminal offence and that the case is politically motivated. They contended that the transaction was transparent, lawful, and carried out in accordance with company law provisions.
Next Hearing Awaited
The court said it will hear detailed arguments from both sides before deciding on the future course of the case. The matter has been listed for further hearing, and the interim relief will remain in force until then.
