The BRICS TimesThe High Court previously sent notices to Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, and others regarding the ED’s legal challenge.
High Court reviews trial court’s decision
The Delhi High Court will hear the ED’s plea this Monday, April 20, 2026. The agency is challenging a trial court order. That order refused to recognize the charge sheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. This case involves alleged money laundering linked to the National Herald. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma will preside over the hearing today.
ED seeks stay on previous ruling
On December 22, the High Court issued notices to the Gandhis. It also notified Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, and several private firms. The ED wants a stay on the December 16, 2025, trial court order. That court ruled the ED’s complaint was “impermissible in law.” It argued the case lacked a foundational FIR.
Allegations of property seizure
The ED accuses the Gandhis and late leaders of conspiracy. It claims they illegally acquired properties worth ₹2,000 crore. These assets belonged to Associated Journals Limited (AJL). AJL is the publisher of the National Herald newspaper. The agency alleges the Gandhis held 76% of Young Indian shares. They reportedly used these to take AJL’s assets.
Arguments over legal procedure
Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta represented the ED in February. He called the trial court’s reasoning “patently perverse.” Mehta argued the case depends on law, not just facts. He stated the trial court’s findings hinder other investigations. The trial court had dismissed the complaint earlier. It cited the absence of a police-registered FIR.
Private complaints versus FIRs
The trial court noted the probe began from a private complaint. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed that original complaint. The ED argues this ruling protects certain money launderers. They claim the allegations are too serious to ignore. The agency insists a court-recognized private complaint is strong. It argues this is better than a simple police FIR.
