Businessman Robert Vadra on Monday, 18 May withdrew his petition before the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order that took cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) prosecution complaint in a money laundering case linked to a 2008 land deal in Gurugram's Shikohpur village. The withdrawal came days after the ED strongly opposed the plea, alleging it was built on 'false and incorrect' legal submissions.

How the Withdrawal Unfolded

A single-judge Bench of Justice Manoj Jain allowed the withdrawal after Vadra's counsel informed the court that the petitioner was 'not interested in pursuing the present petition' and sought to withdraw it unconditionally. 'At the outset, Mr Prateek K. Chadha, counsel for the petitioner, submits that the petitioners are not interested in pursuing the petition and seek to withdraw it,' Justice Jain noted, disposing of the matter while keeping all rights and contentions of the parties open.

Why the ED Opposed the Plea

During the previous hearing, ED counsel Zoheb Hossain had objected to the maintainability of the petition, alleging it contained 'complete false statements on law.' Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Vadra, had argued that the ED lacked jurisdiction to initiate proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), since the predicate offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act were not 'scheduled offences' at the time of the alleged transaction between 2008 and 2012.

The ED countered that this submission was legally incorrect, contending that offences such as Section 467 IPC were part of the PMLA schedule since its inception. After preliminary submissions from both sides, the Delhi High Court had declined to grant immediate relief to Vadra and adjourned the matter to 18 May — the date on which the withdrawal ultimately took place.

Bail Granted by Special PMLA Court

Separately, a Special PMLA Court at Rouse Avenue granted bail to Vadra after he appeared in compliance with a summons issued following cognisance of the ED's prosecution complaint. Special Judge Sushant Changotra granted bail on furnishing a personal bond of ₹50,000 along with one surety of the like amount. The matter has been listed for arguments on charge on 10 July.

The Shikohpur Land Deal: What the ED Alleges

The case centres on alleged irregularities in a land transaction involving 3.53 acres in Haryana's Shikohpur village. According to the ED, Vadra's company Skylight Hospitality Private Limited purchased the land in February 2008 for ₹7.50 crore from Omkareshwar Properties Private Limited. The agency has alleged that no actual payment was made and that the sale deed contained false declarations, including reference to a cheque that was never issued or encashed.

The ED has further claimed the land was undervalued to evade stamp duty and that proceeds of crime were routed through multiple entities allegedly controlled by Vadra. The probe agency has identified ₹58 crore as proceeds of crime and has provisionally attached 43 immovable properties worth ₹38.69 crore linked to Vadra and associated entities. Notably, a special court at Rouse Avenue had taken cognisance of the ED's prosecution complaint and issued summons to Vadra and eight others on 15 April.

What Happens Next

With the High Court petition withdrawn and bail secured, the case now moves to the charge-arguments stage before the Special PMLA Court on 10 July. The ED retains its attachments and the prosecution complaint stands, meaning Vadra and the other accused must now contest the charges before the trial court. The outcome of those proceedings will determine whether the case advances to full trial.