Delhi HC Postpones Vadra's Plea in Money Laundering Land Scam

Robert Vadra faced a setback in Delhi High Court today as his bid for urgent reprieve in the Shikohpur land deal money laundering case was not granted. The single bench of Justice Manoj Jain postponed the hearing to May 18 after intense arguments from both Vadra's counsel and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The petition targeted a Rouse Avenue Court order from April 15, which took cognizance of ED's prosecution complaint under PMLA and summoned Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi's husband, along with eight co-accused for May 16 appearance. Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi highlighted that predicate offenses were retrospectively included in PMLA, a point allegedly overlooked by the trial judge. ED's Zoheb Hussain fired back, labeling the petition rife with 'false and misleading' assertions. He pointed out that key IPC sections were always schedulized under PMLA, urging exemplary costs on Vadra. The agency claims Skylight Hospitality bought prime Gurugram land in 2008 for Rs 7.5 crore without paying a paisa, fabricating details like a non-existent cheque in the deed to undervalue the asset and dodge stamp duty under IPC 423. ED has frozen Rs 58 crore in alleged proceeds, attaching 43 properties valued at Rs 38.69 crore. This probe revives memories of Vadra's controversial Haryana land acquisitions amid political favoritism allegations. Justice Jain instructed thorough preparation for the next date, signaling deep judicial scrutiny. As Vadra gears up for the trial court date, the case spotlights persistent questions on transparency in real estate transactions involving political families. The ED's aggressive stance reflects a zero-tolerance approach to white-collar crimes, potentially reshaping public discourse on accountability.