Delhi HC Issues Notice To ED In Subramanian Swamy's Plea Challenging FIPB Clearance Given To Air Asia

The Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Hari Shankar has directed Enforcement Directorate to file a status report on the next date of hearing in a sealed cover.

In today's proceedings, Subramanian Swamy informed the court that there are media reports which suggest that ED has also initiated an enquiry against the airlines for probing allegations of money laundering.

Therefore, in light of this development, ED must be asked to submit a status report before this court, Swamy argued.

In response to this submission, Standing Counsel Amit Mahajan, who appeared for the central government, informed the court that ED has not been made a party to the present case.

Therefore, the court issued a direction to the Petitioner to file an amended memo of parties with having ED as one of the respondents. The court noted that:

'At present, certain facts need to be brought up before the court. However, at this stage, no directions will be issued regarding the investigation.'

On July 11, the court had asked the CBI to file a report relating to alleged lobbying by AirAsia India while trying to get international flying rights in violation of foreign investment norms.

It had also dismissed a plea by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy seeking interim stay on the airline's application.

In compliance of that July 11 order, CBI filed its status report today in a sealed cover.

In his plea challenging the FIPB clearance given to Air Asia, Swamy has also stated that the investigation conducted by the CBI was very relevant and crucial for adjudication of this petition since it has raised questions on the decisions and issues which are being probed by the agency.

The matter will next be taken up on May 14