New Delhi [India], April 16 (ANI): After the ED filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and others in the alleged National Herald case, Advocate Satya Sabharwal termed it as a 'much-awaited' step by the agencies.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Advocate Sabharwal, who is also representing the complainant in the Subramanian Swamy case, claimed that it is a clear-cut case of money laundering.

'Today, ED has filed a prosecution complaint before trial courts and sought cognisance of the courts, which is a much-awaited step by the agencies. It is a clear-cut case of money laundering, corruption, and criminal breach of trust. This is a very nice step that the agencies have taken, and Satyamev Jayate,' he said.

The Enforcement Directorate, on Tuesday, filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) in Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court against Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and others in the alleged National Herald case. Congress strongly protested the move, terming it 'politically motivated.'

Congress said it will hold a nationwide protest against the BJP-led government on Wednesday in front of Enforcement Directorate (ED) offices at the district level in respective states.

The ED's chargesheet also names Congress leader Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others, including several firms.

The matter has been listed for arguments on cognisance in the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court on April 25.

The prosecution complaint has been filed under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for the offence of money laundering, as defined under Section 3, read with Section 70, and punishable under Section 4 of the PMLA, 2002.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne stated that as per the submission of the counsel representing the ED, the predicate offence--recorded under complaint case No. 18/2019--includes charges under Sections 403, 406, and 420, read with Section 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and is currently under trial at the Rouse Avenue Courts in New Delhi.

The court observed that under Section 44(1)(c) of the PMLA, the predicate offence must be tried in the same court that has taken cognisance of the money laundering offence under Section 3 of the PMLA. The court further noted that both offences--the predicate offence and the PMLA offence--must be adjudicated in the same jurisdiction.

The National Herald case is being heard in a Delhi court. The complaint was filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, their associated companies, and other individuals. (ANI)