Court Grants Pre-Arrest Bail To Robert Vadra In Money Laundering Case

A court in the national capital on Saturday granted bail to businessman Robert Vadra in a money laundering case linked to an alleged irregular land transaction in Haryana’s Gurugram district dating back to 2008. The order was passed by the Rouse Avenue Court, which directed that Vadra be released on bail upon furnishing a bail bond of ₹50,000 along with one surety of an equivalent amount. The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 10, according to court proceedings.

Vadra appeared before the court in compliance with summons issued after it took cognisance of a prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the purchase and subsequent handling of a 3.53-acre land parcel in Shikohpur village, Gurugram. According to the ED, Vadra’s company, Skylight Hospitality Private Limited, acquired the land in February 2008 for ₹7.50 crore from Omkareshwar Properties Private Limited.

The agency has alleged that the transaction involved discrepancies, including claims that no actual payment was made and that documents contained false declarations, such as reference to a cheque that was neither issued nor encashed. The ED further alleged that the land was undervalued, resulting in alleged evasion of stamp duty, and that proceeds generated from the transaction were routed through multiple entities linked to Vadra.

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The agency has identified ₹58 crore as alleged proceeds of crime and has also provisionally attached 43 immovable properties valued at ₹38.69 crore connected to Vadra and associated entities. Earlier proceedings in the case saw the Rouse Avenue Court issuing summons to Vadra and eight others after taking cognisance of the ED’s complaint on April 15, directing them to appear before the court. Vadra had also sought relief from the Delhi High Court, challenging the trial court’s order, but did not receive immediate relief. The matter remains under judicial consideration.

During hearings at the High Court, arguments were presented by both sides regarding the applicability of provisions under the PMLA, with the defence questioning the timing of offences included in the schedule and the prosecution defending the validity of the charges. The High Court has adjourned further proceedings in the matter to May 18.

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