🧾 What the ED Alleges

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) submitted to a Delhi court that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, as majority shareholders (76%) of Young Indian Pvt Ltd, orchestrated a conspiracy to acquire Associated Journals Limited (AJL) — valued at around ₹2,000 crore — in exchange for a ₹90 crore loan from the All India Congress Committee (AICC)

Within days of Rahul’s appointment as director, Young Indian reportedly demanded repayment or conversion of the loan into equity, effectively gaining AJL's assets for a token amount 

The ED further stated the acquisition was fraudulent: Young Indian allegedly took control of AJL’s vast real estate without interest or collateral, paying only ₹50 lakh against ₹2,000 crore assets 

💰 Alleged Profits & Asset Seizures

In May, the ED told the court that Sonia and Rahul received ₹142 crore as proceeds-of-crime from the deal 

As part of the 2023 asset seizure, the ED hold attached properties worth approx. ₹661 crore and ₹90 crore in AJL shares

🧩 Legal Context & Court Proceedings

The case originates from a 2012 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, accusing the Gandhis of taking over AJL via a shell company to siphon off assets 

In April 2025, the ED filed charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). A prima facie case was declared in May, and daily hearings began in July 2025 

The ED is pursuing criminal conspiracy and proceeds-of-crime charges carrying up to seven years imprisonment 

📌 Why It Matters

Assets transferred far below market value — A ₹90 crore loan in exchange for assets worth ₹2,000 crore.

Legal implications — The Gandhis face severe allegations of money laundering and conspiracy.

Political stakes — The case, seen as a major legal-political confrontation, may set precedents on prosecuting high-profile politicians.

✅ Current Status

The Delhi Special Court (Vishal Gogne) is currently hearing arguments on whether to take cognisance of the ED’s prosecution complaint.

If cognisance is taken, formal trials will commence under PMLA sections related to money-laundering and corporate offenses.

Key issues include exchange value, role of AICC, absence of collateral, and extent of ownership/control by Sonia and Rahul.

The case remains under active judicial scrutiny with daily hearings this week on the gravity of the ED’s allegations. Let me know if you'd like a breakdown of the legal charges, the Gandhis’ defense strategy, or historical context of the AJL/National Herald case.