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Synopsis

A Delhi Court on Saturday accepted Congress Leader Priyanka Gandhi’s husband and businessman, Robert Vadra’s explanations that he stayed in Dubai for a medical emergency in August 2022, while traveling to the UK via UAE. 

Special Judge Neelofer Abida Perveen of the Rouse Avenue Court, Delhi noted that Vadra tendered an unqualified and unconditional apology for the lapse, which is accepted in the circumstances mentioned in the affidavit, but he is warned to be cautious in the future. The show cause notice has thus been discharged.

Noting that Vadra had sufficient cause and satisfactory explanation for the 4-days stop over at UAE, the court stated, “I am satisfied that the omission is not intentional the explanation is not an afterthought and conduct of the applicant does not lack in bona fides and good faith.”

The Court ordered, “As the applicant has returned to the country in terms of the permission granted, the FDR deposited on 22.8.2002 is ordered to be released in terms of the authorization letter filed with the application in favor of Shambhu Prasad upon due identification and against receipt.”

The ED argued that Vadra’s violation is deliberate and intentional, and he attempted to circumvent the Court's order, because the Directorate, as noted in the order dated August 12, 2022, had opposed the permission sought to travel to the UAE as well as the UK.

On September 19, 2022, Special Judge Neelofer Abida Perveen expressed displeasure with Vadra’s explanations that he stayed in Dubai for a medical emergency in August 2022, while traveling to the UK via UAE. The Court further stated that it was a violation of the terms and conditions of the permission granted to him.

The Court also issued a show cause notice to Vadra in which he is required to explain why the FDR deposited in accordance with the order dated August 12, 2022, should not be forfeited for violating the terms and conditions of the permission granted to him.

Case Title: ED Vs. Sanjay Bhandari & Ors.