Hype created by media over National Herald case 'unnecessary': Congress

Relieved with the bail granted to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, party leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Saturday said that all the hype created by the media in the case was unnecessary.

"All this hype was unnecessary by the press. In difference and great respect to the court, we all appeared through counsel and each of the accused appeared except Sam Pitroda who has a medical problem. He was granted exemption for his medical problem," Singhvi told media.

"It is unfortunate that for the others Dr. Swamy insisted on passport conditions which are totally unnecessary for those who have deep roots in society and have occupied high public offices. The judge declined Dr. Swamy's request and has put the matter for February 20," he added.

He reiterated that all the accused except Sam Pitroda, who has been exempted, have been granted unconditional bail and the Congress Party did not move any exemption.

Earlier, the Patiala House court granted unconditional bail to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took surety for Rahul Gandhi and AK Antony took surety for Sonia Gandhi. Ajay Maken took surety for Motilal Vora, Mallikarjun Kharge took surety for Suman Dubey and Ghulam Nabi Azad took surety for Oscar Fernandes.

The court will next hear the case on February 20.

Subramanian Swamy also demanded bailable warrant against Sam Pitroda for non appearance and also opposed bail for the Gandhis.

The Gandhis along with the other accused in the National Herald case appeared 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.

Congress MLA V.S. Rathore however represented Sam Pitroda in the court today. Pitroda is unwell and undergoing treatment in the United States.

The National Herald newspaper was closely associated with India's freedom struggle and the Indian National Congress till 2008. In January 2008, discussions about its closure began. On 1 April 2008, the paper's editorial announced that it was temporarily suspending operations. Before its closure, the paper was being run by Associated Journals Limited (AJL).

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed the case in a local court in 2012. The trial court then issued summons to the two leaders among others in June 2014, but they approached the Delhi High Court seeking a stay. On Monday this week, the high court refused to stay the summons, and asked all of the accused to appear for a hearing on December 19.

The accused face allegations that they illegally acquired property worth Rs. 5,000 crore belonging to the National Herald newspaper.