Delhi HC says I-T Dept to investigate National Herald case
In a minor victory for Subramanian Swamy and a huge set back for Congress leaders Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, the Delhi HC has cleared the way for an Income Tax investigation into the National Herald case. Earlier, the Patiala House Court had ordered continuation of the investigation into the case. This move could spell fresh trouble for the Congress party leadership.
The National Herald: Its launch and history
Launched in 1938 by Jawaharlal Nehru, amidst political strife, the newspaper, The National Herald carried on it the line 'Freedom is in Peril, Defend it with All Your Might.' The newspaper was run by Nehru, until he became PM, and served as a means to advocate his ideologies. With its 1938 launch in Lucknow, it later branched into launching its Delhi edition in 1968.
2008: National Herald shuts shop
In early 2008, discussions sprang up regarding the closure of the newspaper, and by April 1, 2008, the publication shut shop after bouts of turbulent financials. The newspaper's dwindling revenues and outdated technology, were one among the many reasons for its closure. It was said that the editorial section did not have a computer, while the press had to make-do with just about five.
2012: Controversies cloud the National Herald
In 2012, Subramanian Swamy filed a case against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, alleging that they had illegally acquired National Herald's assets worth about Rs. 5,000 crore. He said they used Congress party funds to clear National Herald's debts of Rs. 90 crore, even though Associated Journals had the funds to clear the debt. They also rented out AJ's properties for personal gain.
2015: ED closes National Herald case
In 2015, the Enforcement Directorate abruptly shut the National Herald investigation. The ED had stated that the closure of the case was due to insufficient evidence against the accused.
Case reopened, fresh trouble for Gandhis
In August 2015, the ED director was sacked for closing the National Herald case and the case was reopened. While the court granted the Gandhis exemption from personal appearance, the case continued and their request for quashing of charges was denied. Subramanian Swamy also continued furnishing proof of the Gandhis' corruption in the case.
