National Herald Case: Subramanian Swamy’s Wish Puts Focus Back on Trial; Rouse Avenue Court Sets Next Date

In a significant procedural development in the long-running National Herald case, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has fixed the matter for the next stage of the trial—complainant’s evidence—after noting the submission that the original complainant, BJP leader Dr. Subramanian Swamy, intends to withdraw a related appeal from the Delhi High Court. The court has scheduled the case for further hearing and evidence on November 29.

The matter, which was transferred to the Special MP-MLA Court at Rouse Avenue, was set back on track after the court observed that a stay granted earlier by the Delhi High Court on the proceedings had not been extended.

The Development and Swamy’s Intention

During the recent court session, Dr. Swamy’s counsel presented an order from the Delhi High Court, dated October 8, 2025, which indicated that the petitioner (Dr. Swamy) wished to withdraw the petition pending before the High Court. This petition was reportedly challenging some aspects of the trial court’s proceedings. The High Court had granted time for the counsel to formally file the vakalatnama (power of attorney) on record, with the matter listed before the High Court on November 21.

By signaling the intent to withdraw the High Court appeal, Dr. Swamy is essentially clearing the way for the original criminal complaint to proceed swiftly at the trial court level, moving forward to the stage where the complainant will present his evidence.

Background of the Case

The National Herald case is a private criminal complaint filed by Dr. Subramanian Swamy, which led to a subsequent money laundering investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The core of Dr. Swamy’s original complaint is the allegation of cheating and misappropriation in the acquisition of the shares of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper, by Young Indian Private Limited.

The case involves allegations that the Indian National Congress (INC) granted an interest-free loan of approximately Rs. 90 crores to AJL. Subsequently, Young Indian, a non-profit company in which several prominent Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, are shareholders, allegedly took over the AJL’s shareholding and assets worth crores for a minimal payment.

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others were previously summoned by the Patiala House Court in connection with Dr. Swamy’s complaint and are currently out on bail. The case remains a high-profile legal and political battle, with the latest court listing on November 29 ensuring renewed focus on the presentation of evidence.