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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally filed a chargesheet against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in connection with its ongoing money laundering investigation into the National Herald case. This marks the first time that both leaders have been officially charged in this high-profile case, which has been under scrutiny for several years. The chargesheet, submitted to a special court in Delhi on April 9, 2025, also names five other individuals, including Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda, in relation to the alleged financial irregularities.​ The ED's investigation centers around the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper, by Young Indian, a company in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold a majority stake. The agency alleges that Young Indian acquired AJL and its assets, valued at over ₹2,000 crore, for a mere ₹50 lakh, effectively gaining control over valuable real estate properties in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow. The ED contends that this transaction constitutes a violation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.​

In its chargesheet, the ED has pegged the current market value of the assets linked to the case at approximately ₹5,000 crore. The agency has also initiated proceedings to seize properties worth ₹661 crore, which it had previously attached as part of the investigation. These properties include prominent buildings in major cities, underscoring the significant financial implications of the case.​ The special court, presided over by Judge Vishal Gogne, has scheduled the matter for further proceedings on April 25, 2025. The court will examine the chargesheet to determine whether to take cognizance of the allegations and proceed with the trial. The ED has been directed to provide a soft copy of the complaint and related documents in a readable format by the next hearing date.

The Congress party has vehemently denied any wrongdoing by its leaders, labeling the ED's actions as politically motivated. Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi described the case as a "one-trick wonder," asserting that the formation of Young Indian, a not-for-profit company, was a legitimate move to manage the affairs of the National Herald. He emphasized that no dividends were paid, and no commercial transactions took place, challenging the basis of the money laundering allegations.​ Congress general secretary KC Venugopal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating a campaign of "political vendetta" against opposition leaders. He argued that the government's focus on such cases is a distraction from pressing national issues and an attempt to silence dissenting voices. Similarly, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condemned the seizure of National Herald's assets as a "state-sponsored crime masquerading as the rule of law," reaffirming the party's commitment to contesting the charges.​

The National Herald newspaper, established in 1937 by India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, holds historical significance for the Congress party. The ongoing legal proceedings have thus taken on a symbolic dimension, reflecting broader political tensions between the ruling government and the principal opposition party.​ As the case progresses, it is poised to have far-reaching implications for Indian politics, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections. The outcome will not only impact the legal standing of prominent Congress leaders but also influence the broader narrative surrounding the use of investigative agencies in political disputes.​

The Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case represents a significant development in India's political and legal landscape. With allegations of financial impropriety involving substantial assets and the involvement of key political figures, the case is set to be a focal point of national attention in the coming months.​