A Delhi court has taken cognisance of a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against entrepreneur Robert Vadra and several others. Special Judge Sushant Changotra of the Rouse Avenue Court observed that the prosecution complaint and supporting documents provide "sufficient material" to proceed with the case. Consequently, the court has issued summons to Vadra and eight other accused, including Kewal Singh Virk and firms such as Skylight Hospitality LLP, to appear before the court on May 16, 2026.

The case centers on a 2008 land transaction in Shikohpur village, Gurugram. The ED alleges that a company linked to Vadra acquired 3.5 acres of land for approximately ₹7.5 crore through a fraudulent sale deed. It is further alleged that this land served as a quid pro quo to leverage Vadra's influence over the then Haryana government to secure a commercial housing license. After the license was obtained, the land was reportedly sold to DLF for ₹58 crore, generating significant "proceeds of crime."

The Court noted that Vadra, as a primary shareholder and director of the accused firms, played an active role in the commission of offenses under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). While taking cognisance, Judge Changotra clarified that the threshold for this stage is a "prima facie" scrutiny of the complaint, which differs from the more rigorous standards applied during the framing of charges or at trial. The court also observed that Artex, a proprietary concern of Vadra, is not a separate legal entity, making him directly liable for its alleged actions.

The investigation has also brought under scrutiny the role of DLF Universal Pvt Ltd, with the court noting that the ED is expected to further probe its involvement to ensure "complete justice." The probe agency has already recorded statements from multiple individuals associated with the Vatika Group, the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), and various employees of the involved firms. This marks the first time a formal chargesheet has been filed against Vadra in a criminal case, following years of investigation into his land dealings.

For the Congress leadership, the timing of the summons is politically sensitive, as it involves the husband of party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. However, the court maintained that there is no "legal embargo" on proceeding with the money laundering complaint even if the chargesheet in the predicate offense is still pending. The upcoming hearing in May will likely focus on the procedural requirements and the formal appearance of the accused as the trial begins to take shape.