New Delhi, November 30, 2025 – The Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed a fresh First Information Report (FIR) in the ongoing National Herald money laundering case, adding further developments to a legal saga that has spanned over a decade. The FIR, registered on Sunday, names Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhialong with six other individuals in connection with alleged financial irregularities linked to the National Herald newspaper and its publisher, Associated Journals Ltd (AJL).

The new FIR was lodged following a complaint by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) headquarters, which had approached the EOW citing financial violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of senior Congress leaders’ financial dealings and marks a critical step in the procedural timeline of the case.

Background of the National Herald Case

The National Herald case traces its origins to a complaint filed by former BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, alleging misuse of funds by Congress leaders and related companies tied to AJL. At the heart of the case are allegations that financial irregularities involving AJL enabled misappropriation of money and assets, which were then allegedly routed through various entities controlled by the accused.

The ED chargesheet, submitted to the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, names several senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, and Suman Dubey, among others. The chargesheet alleges financial misconduct in transactions related to AJL, raising questions about the diversion of funds and the legality of acquisitions and transfers associated with the newspaper.

The predicate offences listed in the chargesheet include provisions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) such as Sections 403 (criminal breach of trust), 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), and 120B (criminal conspiracy). As per PMLA rules, money laundering cases must be linked with the predicate offences and heard in the same court. In this instance, the Rouse Avenue Court is hearing both the money laundering case and the underlying predicate offence, maintaining continuity and judicial oversight.

Court Proceedings and Legal Framework

The Rouse Avenue Court has repeatedly emphasised the right of the accused to be heard before taking cognisance of the ED’s chargesheet. Earlier, the court had issued notices to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other accused parties, highlighting that their opportunity to respond is essential for ensuring a fair trial.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne cited Section 223 of the BNSS (new criminal law), which allows an accused to be heard before cognisance is taken, noting that this provision is complementary to the PMLA, rather than conflicting with it. The judge described the BNSS as a “progressive law” intended to safeguard the rights of the accused while maintaining procedural fairness and transparency in criminal proceedings.

The next significant judicial development is scheduled for December 16, 2025, when the court is expected to pronounce its order on whether to take cognisance of the ED chargesheet. Until then, the accused will have the statutory opportunity to present their responses and legal arguments, ensuring that procedural safeguards are maintained.

Details of the Fresh FIR

The fresh FIR filed by the EOW names eight individuals, including the top Congress leaders, expanding the scope of the ongoing investigation. The inclusion of additional names indicates the possibility of further scrutiny into financial transactions, corporate governance, and alleged mismanagement of AJL’s funds. While specific details of the newly named individuals have not been disclosed publicly, the FIR underscores the ongoing investigative efforts to examine the extent of alleged money laundering and its connection to the predicate offences.

Authorities are reviewing a wide range of documents, including financial statements, bank records, property transfers, and corporate filings, to establish a comprehensive understanding of the alleged irregularities. The investigation aims to determine whether funds were diverted from AJL or other related entities in violation of financial regulations, and whether these actions constitute offences under both the IPC and the PMLA.

Allegations and ED’s Stance

The ED has alleged that the accused orchestrated a financial scheme to divert AJL assets and funds through various entities and individuals, potentially resulting in personal gain. The agency claims that the transactions were structured to circumvent regulatory scrutiny and mask the true ownership and control of assets, which constitutes money laundering under the PMLA.

While Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have consistently denied wrongdoing in the case, the filing of a fresh FIR intensifies the legal pressure and adds new dimensions to the investigation. The FIR enables the authorities to widen the scope of inquiry, question additional individuals, and gather further evidence, which may influence both the ongoing trial and any subsequent legal proceedings.

Historical Context of the Case

The National Herald case has been a subject of public and political attention for several years. Initiated by Swamy’s complaint, the case has involved multiple rounds of investigation by the ED, Income Tax Department, and other agencies, resulting in repeated chargesheets, notices, and court proceedings.

AJL, the original publisher of the National Herald newspaper, has been at the centre of the controversy, with allegations suggesting that financial irregularities allowed control of the company’s assets to be acquired improperly. The Congress party has maintained that the transactions were legal and above board, asserting that the case has political undertones.

Over the years, courts have repeatedly examined questions of jurisdiction, the nature of the alleged offences, and procedural compliance under the PMLA. The current developments — including the fresh FIR and upcoming hearing on cognisance — mark the latest chapter in this protracted legal battle.

Political and Legal Implications

The fresh FIR against top Congress leaders comes at a sensitive juncture politically, as the case continues to attract media and public attention. Legal experts note that while filing of FIRs is part of the investigative process, it does not imply guilt; rather, it allows the authorities to examine evidence and gather testimonies from additional parties.

For the accused, the FIR expands the scope of potential questioning and may lead to further scrutiny of past and ongoing financial dealings. For the legal system, it underscores the complexity of cases involving money laundering, corporate transactions, and linked predicate offences, requiring careful judicial oversight to balance the rights of the accused with enforcement objectives.

Next Steps

As of now, the immediate focus is on the Rouse Avenue Court’s decision regarding cognisance, expected on December 16, 2025. Depending on the court’s ruling, formal trial proceedings under the PMLA may commence, with both the ED and the accused presenting evidence, legal arguments, and responses to charges.

Authorities may also conduct further investigations based on the FIR, including detailed audits of AJL’s accounts, examination of financial statements, and cross-verification of property and fund transfers. Legal experts emphasise that the process is likely to be lengthy, given the complexity of money laundering cases and the high-profile nature of the accused.

Conclusion

The filing of a fresh FIR in the National Herald case underscores the ongoing vigilance of law enforcement agencies in tracking alleged financial irregularities and money laundering. By including additional individuals alongside Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, the EOW is signalling a continued commitment to a comprehensive investigation, while ensuring that legal procedures under the PMLA and BNSS are strictly followed.

With the upcoming court proceedings, the focus will be on determining whether the charges meet the threshold for cognisance, and whether the alleged diversion of AJL funds constitutes a prosecutable offence. For political observers, legal experts, and the public alike, the developments in the National Herald case remain closely watched, reflecting broader questions about corporate governance, financial accountability, and the interplay of law and politics in India.

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