National Herald case: Sonia, Rahul expected to seek exemption from court appearances

New Delhi: Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are expected to seek an exemption from personal appearances in court over the National Herald case.

Congress sources said Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have decided to seek such an exemption, but it is not yet decided whether the exemption would be sought at the time of the next hearing on February 20 or to approach the court earlier.

If the Congress President and Vice President seek such an exemption at the time of the next hearing on February 20, they would have to appear in the court on the day.

On Dec 19, Sonia and Rahul were granted unconditional bail in the high-voltage case by a local court where they appeared along with a phalanx of top party leaders.

They are facing a private criminal complaint lodged by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who has alleged the transfer of shares of the defunct party newspaper National Herald to a newly-created company.