Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who represents Sonia Gandhi, concluded his arguments in the high-profile National Herald case before Dr Vishal Gogne’s bench at the Rouse Avenue Court.
The case, involving allegations of money laundering, has seen heated legal exchanges in recent weeks. Rahul Gandhi’s defence is expected to follow on 5 July.
Singhvi questioned the very jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter, arguing that the nature of the case does not fall under the provisions of money laundering.
He dismissed the ED’s chargesheet, stating it is built on ‘assumptions and imaginary scenarios’ rather than hard evidence.
He emphasised that the core of the dispute revolves around ownership of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), not illicit financial transactions.
A Matter of ownership, not money laundering
Singhvi argued that even if Young Indian holds 100% stake in AJL, it remains a question of ownership and not criminal activity.
“This is a company that has been operating for over 65 years. Calling it a money laundering case after so long is absurd,” he asserted.
He added that both AJL and Young Indian are not-for-profit entities, incapable of distributing profits or dividends.
He further questioned the ED’s delayed action. “Why did the ED wait from 2010 to 2021 to take any step? What happened in those 11 years?” Singhvi asked, pointing to what he called a politically motivated case.
He described the investigation as ‘bizarre and unprecedented’, with no actual transfer of money or property involved.
Defending the link between the Congress party and National Herald, Singhvi said, “If this institution were to fall into the hands of someone unrelated to the Congress, it would be akin to Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark.”
He claimed that Young Indian served as a financial vehicle to clear AJL’s debts, a routine practice followed by many companies.
Singhvi concluded by insisting that the case involved nothing more than a dispute over ownership and urged the court not to mislabel it as money laundering.
He stressed that there has been no misuse of funds or unlawful enrichment.
Rahul Gandhi’s legal team will present their arguments on 5 July, marking another crucial phase in this politically sensitive case.
Also read: SC Defers Jagdishan Petition; Bombay HC Hearing On July 14
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