Will the Delhi Court Issue a Notice to Robert Vadra in the Land Deal Case?
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Synopsis
A Delhi court's decision on whether to issue a notice to Robert Vadra in a significant money laundering case related to a controversial land deal in Shikohpur is pending. The case raises questions about political influence and procedural integrity, making it a focal point of scrutiny as the ED investigates the allegations.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi court reserves verdict on notice to Vadra.
- Allegations of money laundering tied to land deal.
- ED claims false declarations were made in documents.
- Vadra's land deal has drawn significant political scrutiny.
- Next court decision expected on July 31.
New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) A Delhi court has postponed its verdict regarding the issuance of a notice to businessman Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, linked to a money laundering case related to a land transaction in Shikohpur, Haryana. The Rouse Avenue Court is anticipated to deliver its ruling on July 31 concerning the notice to Vadra, who is married to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had submitted a prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), alleging that Vadra's Skylight Hospitality had “fraudulently” acquired 3.53 acres of land in Shikohpur through “false declaration.”
During the proceedings, advocate Zoheb Hossain for the ED asserted that the sale deed inaccurately stated a payment of Rs 7.5 crore, which, in truth, was never made. This amount was allegedly paid later to avoid stamp duty, a claim corroborated by key witnesses, Hossain noted.
Additionally, the federal anti-money laundering agency contended that Vadra, exercising his personal influence, secured a commercial license for the acquired land. According to the ED, the land was subsequently sold to DLF at a significantly higher price, and this facet of the investigation remains ongoing.
Earlier in April, Vadra faced multiple rounds of questioning by the ED, during which his statement was recorded.
The contentious land deal took place in February 2008, while the Congress party was in power in Haryana with Bhupinder Singh Hooda as Chief Minister. Remarkably, the mutation process for the land, which typically requires months, was completed the following day.
Subsequently, Vadra obtained a permit to develop a housing society on the land, inflating its value. He sold it to DLF in June for Rs 58 crore.
Suspecting the proceeds to be linked to a money laundering operation, the ED has been investigating the origins of these substantial gains. In October 2012, IAS officer Ashok Khemka, then the Director General of Land Consolidation and Land Records-cum-Inspector-General of Registration in Haryana, annulled the land purchase due to procedural irregularities. Later, in 2013, an internal government panel cleared both Vadra and DLF of any wrongdoing.
When the BJP-led government took office, an FIR was lodged by the Haryana Police against former Chief Minister Hooda, Vadra, and several others.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this unfolding situation with a commitment to factual reporting. The legal proceedings involving Robert Vadra serve as a reminder of the intersection between politics and real estate. It is essential to uphold transparency and rigor in covering this case, ensuring that our audience receives unbiased information as events continue to develop.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the Robert Vadra case?
The Delhi court has reserved its verdict on issuing a notice to Robert Vadra, pending a decision expected on July 31.
What allegations are being made against Vadra?
Vadra is accused of fraudulently acquiring land in Shikohpur through false declarations, according to the Enforcement Directorate.
When did the land deal take place?
The land purchase deal occurred in February 2008 during the Congress party's governance in Haryana.
What was the outcome of the previous investigations?
An internal government panel cleared Vadra and DLF of wrongdoing in 2013, despite earlier annulments of the land deal due to procedural issues.
What are the next steps in this case?
The court's decision on whether to issue a notice to Vadra will be announced on July 31, after which further legal proceedings may unfold.
