Court Grants Sanjay Bhandari Time to Challenge Fugitive Tag, ED Plea Adjourned
A Delhi court has granted arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari time to challenge the July 5 order that declared him a fugitive economic offender. The court also deferred proceedings on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea for confiscation of his properties.
Sanjay BhandariFugitive Economic Offenders ActEnforcement DirectorateProperty ConfiscationLegal RemediesReal EstateJul 13, 2025
The court also deferred proceedings on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) plea seeking confiscation of Bhandari’s properties, including assets in India, Dubai, and the UK. During the hearing, Bhandari’s counsel requested an adjournment, stating that the FEO Act provides a statutory 30-day window to file an appeal. “Let me exhaust my statutory remedy,” the counsel submitted, adding that the properties listed for confiscation had already been attached by the agency.
Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain, appearing for the ED along with Special Public Prosecutor Naveen Kumar Matta and Mohd Faizan, opposed the adjournment. He argued that the pendency of an appeal could not stall confiscation proceedings. Hossain also contended that Bhandari’s counsel could not represent other noticees, who had been given a chance to respond independently.
Hossain detailed the properties the ED seeks to confiscate, including real estate in Vasant Vihar, Panchsheel Shopping Complex, and Shahpur Jat, as well as alleged benami properties in Noida and Gurugram. The list also includes jewellery, cash, bank accounts in the names of Bhandari and his wife, and foreign assets. Bhandari was declared a fugitive economic offender on July 5 by Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal in connection with a money laundering case linked to undisclosed foreign holdings. The ED claimed he had evaded Indian authorities and held assets exceeding ₹100 crore.
Bhandari’s counsel, senior advocate Maninder Singh, argued that his client’s presence in the UK was legal and protected by a London High Court ruling. The matter will be heard after the statutory appeal period ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act?
The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act is a law in India aimed at preventing economic offenders from evading the process of law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts. It allows for the declaration of such individuals as fugitive economic offenders and provides for the confiscation of their assets.
Why was Sanjay Bhandari declared a fugitive economic offender?
Sanjay Bhandari was declared a fugitive economic offender due to his involvement in a money laundering case linked to undisclosed foreign holdings. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed he had evaded Indian authorities and held assets exceeding ₹100 crore.
What properties does the ED seek to confiscate from Sanjay Bhandari?
The ED seeks to confiscate properties including real estate in Vasant Vihar, Panchsheel Shopping Complex, and Shahpur Jat, as well as alleged benami properties in Noida and Gurugram. The list also includes jewellery, cash, bank accounts in the names of Bhandari and his wife, and foreign assets.
What is the statutory 30-day window mentioned by Bhandari’s counsel?
The statutory 30-day window mentioned by Bhandari’s counsel refers to the period provided by the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act for an individual declared a fugitive economic offender to file an appeal against the declaration.
What was the London High Court ruling mentioned by Bhandari’s counsel?
The London High Court ruling mentioned by Bhandari’s counsel is a legal decision that protects his presence in the UK, arguing that his stay there is legal and not in violation of any laws.
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