Robert Vadra withdraws Delhi HC plea

Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, unconditionally withdrew his petition in the India — Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order that summoned him in a money laundering case. The case, investigated by the India — Enforcement Directorate, is linked to a land deal in India — Haryana's Shikohpur, Gurugram district. The deal involved Skylight Hospitality, where Vadra was a director, purchasing a 3.5-acre plot in 2008 for Rs 7.5 crore and selling it to DLF (company) in 2012 for Rs 58 crore. The transaction became controversial after IAS officer Ashok Khemka cancelled its mutation. Vadra's lawyer, Abhishek Singhvi, had argued that the ED lacked jurisdiction as the offences were not scheduled under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act at the time of the deal. The trial court, presided over by Special Judge Sushant Changotra, had taken cognisance of the ED's charge sheet and summoned Vadra and others.