HC rejects plea for ED probe against ex-Rajasthan CM's kin

The Delhi High Court today dismissed a plea for a probe by Enforcement Directorate into alleged money laundering by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's son, son-in-law and daughter-in-law in conspiracy with a company owned by Lalit Modi.
The high court dismissed the writ petition after counsel for the petitioner decided not to press the issue.
"Petition taken as dismissed," Justice V K Jain said after the counsel appearing for the petitioner requested that the matter be dismissed.
The counsel for the petitioner, Poonam Chand Bhandari, made the request as he failed to satisfy the court what was his client's interest in the matter which he said was not a public interest litigation.

"If this is a PIL, then file a proper PIL. If it is not, then show what is your locus. What is your personal interest?" the bench told the counsel who could not satisfactorily answer the court's query.
Instead, the counsel said his client only wants the ED to consider her representation seeking a probe into the alleged money laundering.

The petition has alleged funds were diverted from Modi-owned Anand Heritage hotels to Niyant Heritage hotels which is owned by Raje's son-in-law.
The petition also alleged that despite several complaints to the authorities, including the ED, no action has been taken.

Meanwhile, during the arguments, the counsel appearing for the ED said the representation of the petitioner is being looked into.