AICC May Be Made An Accused If Evidence Emerges: ED Tells Rouse Avenue Court

The Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday heard the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) arguments in connection with its complaint filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others.

The ED presented its case regarding the complaint filed against the Gandhis and other accused individuals.

During submissions, the agency stated that the “All India Congress Committee may be made an accused if evidence is found against it.”

Special Judge Vishal Gogne presided over the hearing, with Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju representing the ED.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for 3 July.

The ED alleged that Young Indian set up the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which holds assets worth ₹2,000 crore. It claimed that senior Congress leaders benefited from this transaction.

ASG presses for court to take cognisance and issue summons

ASG Raju argued that a prima facie case exists against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and the other accused.

He further emphasised that the contents of the complaint form the foundation of the case and must considered when deciding on cognisance.

ASG Raju further submitted that the bar for discharging the accused is significantly higher than the threshold for taking cognisance, indicating that issuing summons requires a separate and preliminary assessment.

Referring to the ED’s complaint, the ASG said the case qualifies as a sessions triable matter and establishes offences against each accused.

The ED reiterated its position that the Gandhis were direct beneficiaries of Young Indian, which it claims formed to seize control of AJL’s assets.

The agency noted that AICC had extended a ₹90 crore loan to AJL, which Young Indian—where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold shares—later assumed.

The court sought clarification regarding AJL’s shareholding structure prior to the formation of Young Indian in 2010.

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