In the high-profile National Herald money laundering case, the Delhi High Court on Monday took a significant step by seeking responses from senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Hearing a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Justice Ravinder Dudeja issued notices to all concerned parties.

The court directed Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Private Limited and Sunil Bhandari to file their written replies by March 12, the date fixed for the next hearing.

The ED has approached the High Court challenging a trial court order that refused to take cognisance of its chargesheet. In its ruling, the trial court held that the proceedings could not continue as the case was not based on an FIR and had originated from a private complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.

The ED contends that the trial court adopted a narrow interpretation of the law and overlooked the fact that the investigation and prosecution process in money laundering cases follows a distinct legal framework. The agency has urged the High Court to stay the trial court’s order and clear the way for cognisance of the chargesheet.

The National Herald case has long remained a subject of political and legal debate. The Congress has consistently described the case as an act of political vendetta, alleging that central investigative agencies are being used to target opposition leaders.

The outcome of the next hearing in the Delhi High Court is expected to determine the future course of the legal battle and the court’s stance on the ED’s plea.