Arguments in the high profile National Herald case resumed in Delhi High Court on Wednesday before Judge Sunil Gaur. Appearing for Congress president Sonia Gandhi, party’s top lawyer Kapil Sibal argued that there was no criminal conspiracy and breach of trust in floating a new company Young Indian to take over the Associate Journals, the company published National Herald newspaper.
Sibal argued that petitioner and BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has no locus standi in the case, as the matters relating to the newspaper is purely their party affair. He said the trial court erred in summoning the Congress leaders on Swamy’s petition. “There is no criminal conspiracy. It is purely a matter between the shareholders. No shareholder made any complaints. The petitioner had no locus standi and he has no right to complain,” said Sibal
After Sibal’s introductory arguments over 30 minutes, the Judge asked Swamy to argue. Swamy said Sibal had totally erred in his arguments and all his points would be countered. “The summons order explains what all are illegalities committed by the accused in taking over thousands of crores worth properties of National Herald daily by dubiously floating a closely held private company by Sonia and Rahul,” said Swamy.
The case was posted to March 24 and the Judge directed all parties to come with brief synopsis of the case. Swamy pointed out the inordinate delay happening in the Delhi High Court, seeking speedy arguments.
Apart from Sonia Gandhi, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Motilal Vora, Oscar Ferndez and Gandhi family aides Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda were summoned by Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha on June 2014. The accused had approached Delhi High on the Single bench headed by Justice VP Vaish and obtained temporary stay in August 2014.