Court Defers Hearing In National Herald Case On May 21; Sonia, Rahul Gandhi Served Chargesheet

The Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday confirmed that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other accused have received the chargesheet in the National Herald case.

The court noted that Sam Pitroda got his notice through an alternate email only on Thursday. It decided to hear arguments on cognisance on May 21 and 22, 2025.

Additional Solicitor General SV Raju asked the court to direct all accused to file replies. Advocate Pramod Dubey, representing Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, opposed this request.

The court refused to pass such an order.

Judge Vishal Gogne said the accused have the right to be heard before cognisance. He called this right essential for a fair trial.

Defence lawyers asked for time to review the large volume of documents.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared virtually for Sonia Gandhi. RS Cheema represented Rahul Gandhi.

Sushil Bajaj defended Suman Dubey. Madhav Khurana appeared for Young Indian.

The court had earlier issued notices after the Enforcement Directorate filed the chargesheet.

The ED charged the accused under Sections 44 and 45 of the PMLA. It cited money laundering under Section 3, read with Section 70, and punishable under Section 4.

The court noted that the linked offence under IPC Sections 403, 406, 420, and 120(B) is already under trial. It said Section 44(1)(c) of the PMLA requires both offences to be tried in the same court.

The National Herald case began after Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint against the Gandhis and others.

Also Read: PM Modi Chairs Security Meet With Top Govt Ministers & Officials