The Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with the order of the Delhi High Court that rejected the plea of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul seeking quashing of criminal proceedings in the National Herald case, but granted them some relief by expunging certain observations of the High Court.

The apex court also allowed exemption from personal appearance before the trial court, which will take up the case on February 20. However, the Magistrate can seek their personal appearance as and when required.

Differs with High Court

However, the apex court said it was not in agreement with the High Court, which came out with conclusive findings and observations relating to the case against the accused. “The same would have been left to the trial court to record after recording of evidence,” the Bench said, while expunging all observations on the matter by the High Court.

‘A slap on Cong’s face’

Reacting to the apex court order, the BJP termed it “a slap on the face” of the Congress leadership. “The court has maintained that they will face trial as accused,” party National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

Cong welcomes order

The Congress welcomed the order saying it would give an opportunity to the party to “expose the false and malicious” allegations of complainant Subramanian Swamy, who it claimed had “lost” the case. Kapil Sibal, who represented Congress leaders, said the apex court expunging certain observations of the Delhi High Court meant no one could now allege that any party leader had committed any illegality or wrongdoing.

comment COMMENT NOW