Delhi HC allows AJL to pursue Herald House asset release plea

The Delhi High Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking to restrain Associated Journals Limited (AJL) from pursuing the release of properties attached by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the National Herald case. The decision allows AJL, which is controlled by the Gandhi family, to proceed with its application before the PMLA Appellate Tribunal.

Among the assets in question is Herald House, located at ITO in New Delhi, which was seized by the ED during its investigation into alleged financial irregularities. The Enforcement Directorate had attached the properties as part of its probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The High Court's refusal to grant an interim restraining order means AJL can continue its legal challenge to seek the restoration of the seized properties. The matter will now proceed before the appellate tribunal, which will examine AJL's contentions regarding the attachment of the assets.

The National Herald case has been under investigation by the ED for several years, with the agency examining various financial transactions and asset acquisitions by the publication. The case has involved multiple legal proceedings across different forums, with questions over the valuation and ownership of assets held by the Associated Journals entity.