Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi are expected to appear in Delhi's Patiala House Court on Saturday in the National Herald case filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.
The Z security was given to me by Narsimha Rao government in 1993. The government accommodation was suggested by Central Reserve Police since my house was too small for the security personnel to stay in: BJP leader Subramanian Swamy
I will not be harassed. You can try, but you won't succeed: Congress leader P Chidambaram to BJP government
- The government is hiding its incompetence by resorting to misconduct against the Congress.
Congress-controlled not-for-profit body 'Young Indians' swaps loan for equity, happens everywhere. Not a single rupee used or distributed by it, says Former Union Minister P Chidambaram to NDTV
Read: After 5-Minute Hearing, Sonia And Rahul Gandhi's Show Of Strength"I appeared in court as a law abiding citizen...with a clear conscience," said Sonia Gandhi at the Congress headquarters, adding, "The central government is misusing government agencies to target the opponents. We are not afraid. Our fight will continue. Our struggle for Congress policies and in the interest of the poor will continue."
There was hardly any argument in court, says Oscar Fernandes"We were asked to be there at 3'O clock. The magistrate came sharp at 3. We presented ourselves. There was hardly any argument. Swamy said we shouldn't be allowed to go out of the country without the permission of the court. The court didn't uphold this," Oscar Fernandes, also an accused in the National Herald case, told NDTV's Sandeep Phukan.
"Congress and corruption, made for each other"Launching a sharp attack on the Congress after party president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi appeared in court today, BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that "corruption and Congress were made for each other".
"When we say Congress-mukt bharat, we mean Corruption-mukt bharat
Unfortunately Congress and corruption are made for each other," Mr Naqvi said.
"You say the National Herald is you viraasat, it may be. So are all the scams and swindles in it. What does the BJP have to do with it? Its not as if the BJP has summoned you," he said.
"Their negative, arrogant attitude will come back to bite them. The country can see Congress still stands for corruption. It seems there may not be just something fishy about it but it's an entire fish," he said.
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India will never be Congress-free: Rahul GandhiModi ji wants Congress-mukt bharat (Congress-free India), That will never happen," said Rahul Gandhi.
Stand for values and ideals, says Manmohan Singh"We will give a determined fight. We stand for certain values and ideas. No one can eject Congress party," said former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Will not move an inch: Rahul Gandhi
"I respect the law. Modi ji puts false allegations and thinks the opposition will bend. I want to tell every citizen that we will not be scared. We will not move an inch," Rahul Gandhi said.
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Sonia Gandhi speaks to mediaCongress president Sonia Gandhi spoke to reporters from the Congress headquarters after appearing in court in the National Herald case.
- Appeared in court like any law abiding citizen should
- These people can never remove us from our path
- Current government is purposely targeting opponents
- They are using government agencies
- We are not going to be scared
- Our struggle will continue
Sometimes they disappear: Swamy's dig at RahulSpeaking to reporters, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, the petitioner in the National Herald case, took a dig at Rahul Gandhi when explaining why he asked for travel restrictions against the Gandhis
"These people have a habit of disappearing..sometimes, they disappear for 57 days without giving notice," he said.
The reference is to Rahul Gandhi's much talked about break earlier this year.
BJP reacts to bail to given to GandhisCongress is projecting the Gandhis as if they are freedom fighters, said Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
Sonia, Rahul reach Congress HQSonia Gandhi and Rahul have reached the Congress party headquarters and are expected to address the media shortly.
Congress suporters wait for Sonia, RahulScores of supporters line up at the Congress headquarters to meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
Next date of hearing: February 20
-The next date of hearing in the National Herald case has been set as February 20, 2016.
-Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gave surety for Sonia Gandhi
-Priyanka Vadra gave surety for Rahul Gandhi
No apprehension that Gandhis will flee: Court
Granting bail the court said that there was no apprehension that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi will flee. Petitioner in the National Herald case, Subramanian Swamy had asked for restrictions on their travel.
"Unfortunate that Swamy asked for restrictions""It is quite sad that Mr Swamy said that there should be restriction on travel. Court didn't agree. Except for Sam Pitroda, everyone was granted bail. He could not come due to health conditions. He was granted exemption," said Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
"All this hype and hoopla was unnecessary through the press. Dr Swamy insisted for passport conditions which was totally unnecessary for those who are deep rooted in our society," he said.
Kapil Sibal speaks to media after hearing"One application was moved on behalf of all accused. Court was kind enough to grant bail and put no condition except for surety. Dr Swamy argued to put conditions on bail but judge didn't agree," he said.
Sonia Gandhi heads for Congress headquarters
Sonia Gandhi leaves for Congress party headquarters on Delhi's Akbar road, where she is expected to speak to the media.
Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and their lawyers pose for picturesOn their way out from court, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and their lawyers pose for a photo op.
Bail granted to Gandhis
Within minutes of the proceeding, Congress President Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have been granted bail in the National Herald case.
Kapil Sibal starts arguments
Congress leader and lawyer Kapil Sibal has started the opening arguments in court.
Sonia Gandhi waves before entering courtCongress president Sonia Gandhi waved to the reporters and flashed a victory sign before going in to court for the hearing in the National Herald case.
Sonia Gandhi, Rahul arrive at the courtCongress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul have arrived at Delhi's Patiala House Courts for the hearing in the National Herald case.
Already in court are...
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Priyanka Vadra, Congress leaders A K Anthony, Ajay Maken, Ghulam nabi Azad, Oscar Fernandes. and Sheila Dikshit have reached court.
Dr Manmohan Singh will give surety for Sonia Gandhi if required and Ahmed Patel to give surety for Rahul Gandhi if required, say sources.
Manmohan Singh reaches court
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has reached court.
Priyanka Vadra has reached the courtCongress president Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Vadra has reached the court.
Congress strategy meet ends, Priyanka leaves for court
Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Vadra has left for the court after a meeting at Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's residence.
Congress suporters protest in PatnaCongress supporters in Patna, along with several other parts of the country, are holding protests.
Ahmed Patel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi reach court
Congress president Sonia Gandhi's secretary Ahmed Patel and Congress leader and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi have reached the court for the hearing.
Sonia Gandhi and Rahul leave for court
With just a few minutes to go for their hearing in the National Herald case, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have left for the court.
Subramanian Swamy and his wife Roxna Swamy reach Patiala House Courts
Double barricades outside courtSecurity outside the Patiala has just been increased with double barricades being put to ensure no media or anyone blocks the way of the entrance. Traffic movement on the road is normal but a wall of police is in place, reports NDTV's Sonal Mehrotra
In Pictures: Congress supporters protest as Gandhis prepare for court appearanceCongress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice-President Rahul Gandhi will appear in a trial court in Delhi today in the National Herald case. Congress supporters have gathered in Mumbai, Bhopal and other parts of the country in protests against the government, rallying support for party president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi.
Subramanian Swamy enroute to Patiala House Courts
With less than an hour left for the hearing in the National Herald case to begin, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, the petitioner in the case is on his way to Delhi's Patiala House Courts.
Only 10 vehicles allowed inside the court complex
Security officials have announced that they will allow only 10 vehicles inside the court premises. The vehicles cleared by special protection group and Patiala House Courts administrator include those of the Gandhis and judge Lovleen Singh.
Congress giving country a bad name: Subramanian SwamySpeaking to reporters ahead of the hearing in the National Herald case, Subramanian Swamy said, "We're all equal before the law. Drama by the Congress is giving the country a bad name. Why are they so scared? Let the court process start today."
Earlier in the morning he had tweeted:
Inside the court, a space crunch
For a lack of space in the small courtroom, officials have asked the two sides to limit their counsel to three members each - three from the Congress' side and three from Subramanian Swamy's team, reports NDTV's Sunetra Choudhury
'Subramanian Swamy performing flea of Indian politics,' says Mani Shankar AiyarSeveral Congress leaders have converged at the party headquarters to express support for party president Sonia Gandhi and son Rahul who are expected to appear in court for the National Herald case.
Speaking to NDTV's Sunil Prabhu Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar launched a sharp attack on the petitioner in the case Subramanian Swamy.
"Subramanian Swamy is the performing flea of Indian politics. He has been distanced from every party he has ever been a part of. Today the BJP is firing from his shoulders," Mr Aiyar said.
In the courtroom, people have started taking seatsHigh security outside metropolitan magistrate Lovleen Singh's court. People have already begun taking seats with one-and-a-half-hours still to go for the hearing in the National Herald case.
Delhi police security wing in plain-clothes, sniffer dogs and Rapid Action Force inside the complex, reports NDTV's Sunetra Choudhury.
BJP wants 'Opposition-free India', says Congress
Since they have come to power, they are targeting Opposition parties. Such has never happened. In the last one year, be it the Gujarat Opposition leader, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister - all targeted in raids," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.
"Earlier their slogan was Congress-mukt Bharat (Congress-free India), now their agenda is Vipaksh-mukt Bharat (Opposition-free India," he said.
Subramanian Swamy rewarded for dragging Sonia, Rahul to Court, says Congress"The Congress party and the whole country had suspected from the beginning that the BJP and especially the Prime Minister are behind Subramanian Swamy," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.
"And today you read the papers how the government went out of the way to give Swamy Z category security and a government residence. Swamy is not a Parliamentarian, not in a border state where there is terrorism, nor has he fought terrorism. If he has been given these perks it has been a reward for dragging Congress leaders to court," he said.
Congress workers rally in Mumbai, BhopalBesides Delhi, Congress supporters have gathered in Mumbai, Bhopal and other parts of the country in protests against the government, rallying support for party president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi.
"Full support," posts Robert VadraCongress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra, who is expected to accompany Mrs Gandhi and her son Rahul to court for the National Herald case, took to Facebook to express his support for them.
"My full support to my mother in law and brother in law. Politics of vendetta and desperate malicious attempts of defamation, will not be believed. Truth shall prevail," he said.
Congress using National Herald as political tool, says BJP"To go out on the streets and demand justice is not fair to the judiciary and it's contradictory to say 'there should be no hype'," said BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy.
"This issue has been a hot topic in Parliament and they have been using this case as a political tool. They are obstructing GST. They think by blocking PM Modi, government's efforts. it'll help their political agenda," he said.
Rahul Gandhi reaches Sonia Gandhi's residenceCongress vice president Rahul Gandhi reached party president Sonia Gandhi's residence on New Delhi's 10 Janpath ahead of their court appearance in the National Herald case.
"700 security personnel"A heavy deployment of police, paramilitary and special protection group is on guard to prevent any disruptions at the Patiala House Courts. There are more than 700 security personnel, reports NDTV's Snigdha Basu.
Rahul Gandhi expert in lying, says Ravi Shankar Prasad"National Herald case has no relation to the BJP or Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Court took cognizance before Modi government came to power," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
"Rahul Gandhi expert in lying (by saying it's a political campaign). If he has a problem with the High Court, he can go to the Supreme Court. We are in government with people's mandate," he said.
National Herald a vilification campaign, says Digvijaya
Ahead of the court hearing, Congress leader Singh tweeted:
"BJP-RSS combine have always considered Nehruvian ideology and Nehru-Gandhi Family as biggest threat to their growth. They have run a sustained campaign against them. National Herald is another example of their vilification campaign against them. People of this Country would give them a fitting reply as they did earlier. Gandhi-Nehruvian ideology is ingrained in Indian ethos."
Priyanka and Robert Vadra to accompany Gandhis
Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Vadra and son-in-law Robert Vadra will accompany Mrs Gandhi and son Rahul for their court appearance in the National Herald case. They will be standing as personal surety if required.
Congress headquarters abuzzScrapping plans of a protest march planned as a show of strength, the Congress has instead called its working committee members, office bearers and some lawmakers at the at its headquarters on Delhi's Akbar Road, reports NDTV's Sunil Prabhu.
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Bail on personal bond or not?Since the offence is bailable and Congress leaders say the they are considering bail, what remains to be seen is if Sonia Gandhi and Rahul get a bail on personal surety or someone else's, reports NDTV's Sunetra Choudhury.
Congress in state of confusion, says BJP"A national political party which was at the helm of national affairs for years cannot give a message that they cannot go to the courts. They are in a state of confusion. They should only approach this as a legal issue," BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao.
No hype, no hyperbole, says CongressSpeaking to NDTV's Sunil Prabhu, Abhishek Manu Singhvi says
- Absolutely no reason for hype and hyperbole.
- It is a legal case.
- Every legal option to be explored.
- No protest march, no chief ministers summoned to Delhi
'Security nightmare'Patiala House Courts, just near the India Gate, is very difficult to secure. Authorities have had to bring in special security detail to secure the area, NDTV's Sunetra Choudhury reports.
Congress defends Parliament disruptionsThe Congress which has led the Opposition in disrupting Parliament proceedings since last week, reinforced that the protests were not just because of the National Herald case.
"Case will be presented normally, we have our arguments. Our leaders are not at all guilty. There's been no direct, indirect payments or benefits that any leader in the Congress party has accrued," senior Congress leader Ashwani Kumar said.
"Parliament was not disrupted only on Herald case. There were serious issues to which we expressed disagreement. It's wrong to suggest that Parliament was disrupted due to Herald case," he said.
Many Congress leaders expressed their support for Gandhis and accused BJP of vindictiveness.
"Sonia ji and Rahul have always walked on the path of truth and will prevail," spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.
On the day of the court hearing, the Congress mocked Centre's decision to give National Herald case petitioner Subramanian Swamy a government house on security grounds. Senior leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi tweeted
What are Sonia Gandhi and Rahul's bail options?- Personal bond by accused with undertaking they will appear when summoned
- Personal bond with a surety by a prominent person for each accused
- Legal sources: bail money not required, personal surety enough
Sonia Gandhi, Rahul may address media after Court date- Congress president Sonia Gandhi with her son Rahul Gandhi will reach Patiala House Court for hearing at 3.00 pm.
- After the court proceedings, Congress leaders and lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhisek Manu Singhvi will brief the media.
- After the court proceeding, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are likely to interact with media around 3.45pm-4.00 pm
In a series of tweets, Congress leader Digvijay Singh hits out at BJP and RSS. Hails Gandhi Nehruvian Ideology
Open to all legal options including bail, says CongressAhead of the court hearing, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "We are open to availing all legal remedies and options including (seeking) bail."
Read more
here.
Sonia, Rahul to reach court at 3 pm
Sonia Gandhi and Rahul will go to Delhi's Patiala House Court for the hearing at 3 pm, party sources said.
After the hearing, Congress leaders and lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, will speak to the media at the court, sources added.
Sonia Gandhi and Rahul are also expected to speak to the media after the hearing from the Congress headquarters.
Tight security at Delhi's Patiala House CourtSecurity has been increased at Delhi's Patiala House District Court where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are expected to appear on Saturday in connection with the National Herald case.
Senior officials of the Special Protection Group (SPG), Delhi Police and Intelligence Bureau
reviewed the security arrangements at the court where 16 more CCTV cameras were installed today.
Congress leaders to meet at party headquarters
Congress leaders are expected to converge at the party headquarters at around 1 pm on Saturday. Only people "relevant to the case" will go to the court, party sources said.
Disruptions continue in ParliamentCongress members continued their protest in the Parliament today. The protests and slogans had started since the High Court on December 7 rejected the plea of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi not to appear before a court in the National Herald Case.
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Congress members refused to pay any heed to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan's pleas and gathered in front of the her podium, raising slogans.)
What the National Herald case is all aboutThe National Herald case accuses the Gandhis of fraud, cheating, misappropriation and criminal breach of trust in acquiring the assets of a company that had published the National Herald, a newspaper founded by Rahul's great grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru.
BJP's Subramanian Swamy has alleged that through a series of debt and equity deals, a shell company that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi controlled, acquired property worth about Rs 5,000 crore after paying just Rs 50 lakh.
Read 10 things you should know about the National Herald case
here
Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son and party vice president Rahul Gandhi are expected to appear in Delhi's Patiala House Court on Saturday in the National Herald case filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.