A Delhi court has permitted Manoj Arora, a close aide of businessman Robert Vadra, to travel to Thailand with his family from December 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Arora had been questioned in a money laundering case but has not been named as an accused in any of the chargesheets filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Special Judge Neelofer Abida Perveen noted that Arora had been granted anticipatory bail in April 2019, and the case has been delayed, awaiting the extradition of Sanjay Bhandari, a defense consultant accused of laundering the proceeds of crime through tax evasion.
The court stated there was no evidence to suggest that Arora interfered with the ongoing investigations or that his travel would hinder the legal process. “Considering that the applicant is not an accused and the proceedings are still at a preliminary stage, there is no justification for curtailing the applicant’s fundamental right to travel abroad,” the judge said.
The court also directed that any Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against Arora be suspended during this period.
Arora’s counsel argued that his client was falsely implicated and highlighted that the ED’s investigation had been ongoing for over seven years without any charges brought against him. The counsel also pointed out that no incriminating material had been found to implicate Arora in the alleged offenses.
Opposing the plea, ED prosecutor N.K. Matta claimed that Arora had previously absconded and joined the investigation only after court intervention. Matta argued that Arora had been evasive during questioning and warned of a strong likelihood that he might flee to avoid legal proceedings.
Furthermore, ED stated that they were awaiting crucial evidence from several foreign authorities through letters rogatory and alleged that the proceeds of crime in the case were yet to be fully traced.
Despite these objections, the court ruled in favor of Arora’s travel, emphasizing the lack of direct accusations or evidence against him at this stage of the investigation.
