The Supreme Court refused to interfere with the order of the Delhi High Court rejecting the plea of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul seeking quashing of the criminal proceedings in the National Herald case before the trial court but gave them some relief by expunging certain observations of the High Court.
At the same time, the apex court expressed its unhappiness at the Delhi high court’s conduct when it rejected an appeal by the Gandhis to quash the case.
The Supreme Court bench headed by Justice J S Khehar expunged remarks made against the Gandhis by the Delhi high court, saying it was wrong of the high court to comment against Congress leaders when the trial court proceedings was yet to begin.
Granting personal exemption to the Congress leaders, the apex court said they hold important position and won’t run away.
However, Subramanian Swamy who had filed the complaint said, “This is not a relief for the Gandhis; Personal appearance is also on certain condition.”
The matter was listed before a bench of Justices JS Khehar and C Nagappan.
Earlier, a bench comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justice R Banumathi had assured senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Gandhi family, saying they will look into it for giving an urgent hearing.TS Thakur and Justice R Banumathi had assured senior advocate Kapial Sibal, representing the Gandhi family, saying they will look into it for giving an urgent hearing.
The Delhi HC judgment had said that the “probity of the legendary national political party” was “at stake” in the case, as the office-bearers of the party held National Herald’s funds in trust.
