A Delhi court has posed sharp questions to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding its investigation into Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. The court’s remarks came while hearing a plea seeking access to documents related to the probe.
The court questioned why the ED has not submitted a written response despite multiple summons and pointed out the delay in furnishing essential documents to the accused. The judge also sought clarity on the legal grounds for the ED’s prolonged investigation and emphasized that procedural fairness must be upheld throughout the inquiry.
Advocates representing Sonia and Rahul Gandhi expressed concern over the lack of transparency, stating that the accused are entitled to receive all the documents the ED has based its case on. They added that without access to this material, a fair defense becomes difficult.
The court stressed the need for due process and asked the ED to explain the legal basis for keeping certain records confidential. It has now directed the agency to file its detailed reply and justify its stance.
This case revolves around the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL) by Young Indian Pvt. Ltd., in which the Gandhis are key stakeholders. The ED is investigating alleged financial irregularities, but the court’s recent intervention places the focus back on the transparency and legality of the agency’s methods.
