Delhi Court grants anticipatory bail to Robert Vadra
New Delhi: In a notable development, businessman Robert Vadra was granted pre-arrest bail by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday in connection with the Shikohpur land deal money laundering case.
Vadra appeared before Special Judge Sushant Changotra in compliance with earlier summons, and the court directed him to furnish bail bonds, clarifying that no additional conditions were being imposed. “I am asking to file a bail bond, not any other considerations,” the judge emphasized during the hearing.
After receiving bail, Vadra expressed confidence in the judicial system, stating, “I believe in the judicial system of this country. I know that the ED is being managed by the Government and will act accordingly, but I have nothing to hide. I will continue to cooperate with all formalities. I am fearless and prepared to face this process.”
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier opposed Vadra’s petition in the Delhi High Court, which challenged a trial court order summoning him in the case. The ED’s counsel argued that Vadra’s petition was based on a false legal claim and should be dismissed with costs.
Vadra’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, contended that the ED lacked jurisdiction, arguing that the alleged offences under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act were not “scheduled offences” under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act at the time of the transaction, which took place between 2008 and 2012. The ED countered that this claim was legally incorrect.
The Delhi High Court has scheduled further hearings for May 18, during which Vadra’s counsel will respond to the ED’s arguments.
This marks the first time that any probe agency has filed a charge sheet against Vadra in a criminal case. The ED had earlier questioned him over three consecutive days in April 2025, and the trial court took cognizance of the charge sheet filed by the agency in July 2025, summoning Vadra and others to appear on May 16.
