PIL Filed Against Robert Vadra; HC Seeks Centre's Response

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday admitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an inquiry into the charges against Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra, while directing the Central government to file its reservations in three weeks over the plea.

Nutan Thakur, a social activist, sought the court to direct the Prime Minister's Office to initiate a probe into the wealth allegations against Vadra by anti-corruption crusader Arvind Kejriwal and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan.  

The petition for inquiry was filed on Oct 9. The court trying the PIL, granted three weeks for the Central government to respond and voice its objections regarding the PIL. Based on the government's response, the court will decide whether to accept the PIL filed by Thakur or dismiss it.

According to reports, Additional Solicitor General Ashok Nigam said the petition was not maintainable and objected it saying that PIL was based on "hearsay."

The PIL against Vadra will come up for the next hearing on Nov 21.

Congress leaders strongly objected the demands of those activists who sought the government to order a probe into the alleged transactions between Vadra and construction major DLF.  

Congress said that dealings were private and can't be questioned on the basis of "implied act of corruption."

Kejriwal alleged that DLF had granted interest-free loans of ₹65 crore to companies headed by Vadra, in a bid to receive off-the-record benefits from the Haryana government. Both parties have outrightly dismissed the allegations made by Kejriwal