Congress show of strength burdens Patiala House Court

The roundabouts in Lutyens Delhi are studded with hoardings, big and small, saying 'Sonia ji and Rahul ji, we are with you'. Congress supporters have not only gathered from across the national capital but have also travelled to express their solidarity all the way from the party chief's constituency, Rae Bareli.

Today, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi along with the other accused in the National Herald case will appear before Metropolitan Magistrate Lovleen in response to summons issued against them. They have been summoned by the trial court on prima facie charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust and dishonest misappropriation of property under relevant sections of the law.

Security has been beefed up outside the Patiala House court and the Congress headquarters in Delhi. 16 additional CCTV cameras have been installed in the premises where the hearing would be held.

Adding to the agony of a busy Saturday for the court, gate number two of the Patiala House has been blocked and only people related to the case can use the same.

Court officials have been given additional responsibilities of maintaining the security. With District Judge Amarnath and ACJ Prashant Sharma overlooking the security setup in the court, around 150 barricades are partially blocking the roads around the court grounds.

If need be, the roads around the court would be blocked completely.

Various senior Congress leaders are expected to be present at the court during the hearing.