The year 2025 kept Delhi courts busy with a series of high-profile and sensitive cases, ranging from a terror attack to political corruption allegations. Among the most prominent were the Red Fort blast case, the National Herald case involving the Gandhi family, and the IRCTC scam implicating Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family.
Red Fort Blast Case
In November 2025, a car explosion near the Red Fort shook the capital, resulting in 13 fatalities and numerous injuries. Initial investigations suggested a possible suicide attack. The government quickly labeled it a terrorist act. The probe revealed a "white-collar" terror module with links to Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistani terrorist organization.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the case and arrested several individuals, including doctors and a religious preacher. Dr. Umar Un Nabi, an assistant professor, was identified as the driver of the vehicle used in the blast. Investigations revealed a network connecting foreign handlers in Afghanistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to local operatives. As of late December 2025, a Delhi court extended the judicial custody of seven accused in the Red Fort blast case by 15 days.
The aftermath of the blast saw tightened security across the National Capital Region. The Delhi government announced compensation for the victims and their families. However, many families are still awaiting the promised ex-gratia, facing financial struggles and lack of communication from officials.
National Herald Case
The National Herald case, involving Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other Congress leaders, continued to be a focal point in Delhi courts throughout 2025. The case revolves around allegations of financial irregularities in the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by Young Indian Private Limited.
In April 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Sam Pitroda. However, in December 2025, a Delhi court refused to acknowledge the ED's money laundering complaint, stating that it was based on a private complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and not on a First Information Report (FIR). The court emphasized that the ED could only initiate a money laundering case based on an FIR.
The ED has challenged this decision in the Delhi High Court, escalating the legal battle. The High Court has sought responses from Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other accused parties, with a detailed hearing scheduled for March 2026.
IRCTC Scam Case
The IRCTC scam case, concerning alleged irregularities during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Railway Minister, also remained active in Delhi courts. In September 2025, the Rouse Avenue Court announced it would deliver its order on framing charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, and others in October.
In October 2025, the court framed charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav, for corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating. The case involves alleged manipulation of contracts for the maintenance of IRCTC hotels in exchange for land and shares. The court criticized the accused, stating they "engaged in conspiracy and abused their position as public servants". The accused pleaded not guilty, claiming the charges were politically motivated. The legal proceedings in these high-profile cases underscore the dynamic nature of the Indian judicial system and its role in addressing critical issues of national security and political accountability.
