A Special Court has extended Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand of Congress leader P Chidambaram till 30th October in INX media case, reported news agency ANI.

Chidambaram's health checkup to be done at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the report added.

Chidambaram on Wednesday moved a bail petition in the INX media case and asserted that all the other accused in the matter have been granted bail.

The ED which is probing the money laundering charges against the leader had arrested him on October 16, following which he was remanded in custody by a special court till October 24, which is also getting expired today.

The Supreme Court recently granted him bail in the money laundering case which is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Chidambaram was arrested on August 21 by the CBI in connection with the graft case after which the court initially remanded him to custody and later sent to Tihar Jail.

The agency has recently charge-sheeted him and others, including his son Karti and a handful of bureaucrats, for causing loss to the exchequer by allegedly committing offences under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). 
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A Special Court has extended Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand of Congress leader P Chidambaram till 30th October in INX media case, reported news agency ANI. Chidambaram's health checkup to be done at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the report added.

A Special Court has extended Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand of Congress leader P Chidambaram till 30th October in INX media case, reported news agency ANI. Chidambaram's health checkup to be done at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the report added. Chidambaram on Wednesday moved a bail petition in the INX media case and asserted that all the other accused in the matter have been granted bail. The ED which is probing the money laundering charges against the leader had arrested him on October 16, following which he was remanded in custody by a special court till October 24, which is also getting expired today. The Supreme Court recently granted him bail in the money laundering case which is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Chidambaram was arrested on August 21 by the CBI in connection with the graft case after which the court initially remanded him to custody and later sent to Tihar Jail. The agency has recently charge-sheeted him and others, including his son Karti and a handful of bureaucrats, for causing loss to the exchequer by allegedly committing offences under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Special Court extends ED remand of Chidambaram till October 30 

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Congress leader P Chidambaram`s bail application in connection with the INX media money laundering case.

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait directed the agency to file a reply in seven days and fixed November 4 as the next date of hearing in the matter.

Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Chidambaram, argued that there is no evidence of tampering, influencing witness and flight risk.

"This was the observation by the top court. When 60 days in CBI were getting over and there was a chance of my bail they (ED) wanted to arrest me. Today seven-day police custody is getting over today. I would like to press for bail after the 15-day custody period is over. The ED has interrogated him only on four occasions," Singhvi said.

Chidambaram on Wednesday moved a bail petition in the INX media case and asserted that all the other accused in the matter have been granted bail.

The ED which is probing the money laundering charges against the leader had arrested him on October 16, following which he was remanded in custody by a special court till October 24, which is also getting expired today.

"All other accused have been enlarged on bail. The petitioner has deep roots in the society and has been in the public life for 40 years," the bail plea said, alleging that the arrest was malafide and done with an intention to harm his reputation.

Chidambaram said he does not have the propensity to evade the law.

"The petitioner has throughout been available during the period of the investigation. Investigation agency did not recover or elicit any incriminating from the possession of Chidambaram during the searches," the plea stated.

The Supreme Court recently granted him bail in the money laundering case which is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Chidambaram was arrested on August 21 by the CBI in connection with the graft case after which the court initially remanded him to custody and later sent to Tihar Jail.

The agency has recently charge-sheeted him and others, including his son Karti and a handful of bureaucrats, for causing loss to the exchequer by allegedly committing offences under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram`s tenure as finance minister.

Thereafter, the ED lodged a money laundering case in this regard in 2017.&nbsp; 
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The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Congress leader P Chidambaram`s bail application in connection with the INX media money laundering case.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Congress leader P Chidambaram`s bail application in connection with the INX media money laundering case. Justice Suresh Kumar Kait directed the agency to file a reply in seven days and fixed November 4 as the next date of hearing in the matter. Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Chidambaram, argued that there is no evidence of tampering, influencing witness and flight risk. "This was the observation by the top court. When 60 days in CBI were getting over and there was a chance of my bail they (ED) wanted to arrest me. Today seven-day police custody is getting over today. I would like to press for bail after the 15-day custody period is over. The ED has interrogated him only on four occasions," Singhvi said. Chidambaram on Wednesday moved a bail petition in the INX media case and asserted that all the other accused in the matter have been granted bail. The ED which is probing the money laundering charges against the leader had arrested him on October 16, following which he was remanded in custody by a special court till October 24, which is also getting expired today. "All other accused have been enlarged on bail. The petitioner has deep roots in the society and has been in the public life for 40 years," the bail plea said, alleging that the arrest was malafide and done with an intention to harm his reputation. Chidambaram said he does not have the propensity to evade the law. "The petitioner has throughout been available during the period of the investigation. Investigation agency did not recover or elicit any incriminating from the possession of Chidambaram during the searches," the plea stated. The Supreme Court recently granted him bail in the money laundering case which is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Chidambaram was arrested on August 21 by the CBI in connection with the graft case after which the court initially remanded him to custody and later sent to Tihar Jail. The agency has recently charge-sheeted him and others, including his son Karti and a handful of bureaucrats, for causing loss to the exchequer by allegedly committing offences under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram`s tenure as finance minister. Thereafter, the ED lodged a money laundering case in this regard in 2017.

INX media case: Delhi High Court issues notice to ED on Chidambaram's bail plea

Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the INX Media money laundering case.

Chidambaram, in bail plea, stated that his<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-enforcement-directorate-arrests-p-chidambaram-after-questioning-him-at-tihar-jail-256212"> arrest by the ED</a> is "malafide and was done with the intention to harm the reputation".

The Enforcement Directorate which is probing the money laundering charges against the leader had arrested him on October 16, following which he was sent remanded to its custody by a special court till October 24.

The petition will be taken up for hearing by the court tomorrow.

The Supreme Court had yesterday granted him bail in the corruption matter being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the case.

Chidambaram was arrested on August 21 by the CBI in connection with the graft case after which the court initially remanded him to its custody and later sent to Tihar jail.

The agency has recently charge-sheeted him and others, including his son Karti and a handful of bureaucrats, for causing loss to the exchequer by allegedly committing offences under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram's tenure as the finance minister.

Thereafter, the ED lodged a money laundering case in this regard in 2017.

Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the INX Media money laundering case. Chidambaram, in bail plea, stated that his arrest by the ED is "malafide and was done with the intention to harm the reputation".

Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the INX Media money laundering case. Chidambaram, in bail plea, stated that his arrest by the ED is "malafide and was done with the intention to harm the reputation". The Enforcement Directorate which is probing the money laundering charges against the leader had arrested him on October 16, following which he was sent remanded to its custody by a special court till October 24. The petition will be taken up for hearing by the court tomorrow. The Supreme Court had yesterday granted him bail in the corruption matter being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the case. Chidambaram was arrested on August 21 by the CBI in connection with the graft case after which the court initially remanded him to its custody and later sent to Tihar jail. The agency has recently charge-sheeted him and others, including his son Karti and a handful of bureaucrats, for causing loss to the exchequer by allegedly committing offences under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram's tenure as the finance minister. Thereafter, the ED lodged a money laundering case in this regard in 2017.

P Chidambaram seeks bail in INX Media money laundering case

A special court at the Rouse Avenue complex in Delhi on Monday summoned all the accused including former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram`s son Karti Chidambaram, INX Media former director Peter Mukerjea and public servants in the INX Media case.

The court issued summons to the accused after taking cognizance of the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case.&nbsp;

P Chidambaram, who is lodged in Tihar jail, will also be produced before the court on October 24. His judicial custody is slated to end that day.&nbsp;

The CBI had recently filed a charge sheet against fourteen accused, including P Chidambaram, Karti, his accountant S Bhaskaran, INX News, INX Media, its former director Peter Mukerjea, Chess Management Services Private Limited, Advantage Strategic Consulting Private Limited, and a handful of bureaucrats.

The bureaucrats who have been charged are Ajeet Kumar Dungdung, the then Section Officer, and Rabindra Prasad, the then Under Secretary and Prabodh Saxena, Director, FIPB unit of Finance Ministry, Pradeep Kumar Bagga, the then Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Anup K Pujari, the then Joint Secretary and Sindhushree Khullar, Additional Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs.&nbsp;

The accused have been charged for the criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and for taking gratification and criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act.

The investigating agency, earlier today, told the court that it has necessary sanctions to prosecute all the accused, including the public servants, in the case.

The CBI in its charge sheet revealed that Karti Chidambaram influenced public servants to extend favors to the INX Media and also used false invoices as a genuine document to demand an illegal gratification of Rs 10 lakh from the company.

The charge sheet also submitted that INX Media former directors -- Indrani Mukerjea and Peter Mukerjea -- met P Chidambaram in his office in the North Block regarding the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to INX Media Private Limited and INX News Private Limited and during the meeting, the then Finance Minister demanded illegal gratification from them in the form of overseas payoffs for himself.

He also demanded that the business interest of his son Karti be taken care of in lieu of FIPB approval, the charge sheet stated.

It also submitted that the meeting between the three corroborated through the records relating to their [Indrani and Peter] stay in Hotel Oberoi and the taxi bill for the travel. The visitor`s log of P Chidambaram`s office, however, could not be made available as it was weeded out.

It also mentioned that the Mukerjea duo and the legal head of INX Media, on the instructions of P Chidambaram, met Karti for a coffee at the hotel Hayat Regency in June 2008.

In the meeting, Karti assured them that the "contentious issues would be resolved".In August, earlier this year, P Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Finance Minister.

A special court at the Rouse Avenue complex in Delhi on Monday summoned all the accused including former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram`s son Karti Chidambaram, INX Media former director Peter Mukerjea and public servants in the INX Media case.

A special court at the Rouse Avenue complex in Delhi on Monday summoned all the accused including former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram`s son Karti Chidambaram, INX Media former director Peter Mukerjea and public servants in the INX Media case. The court issued summons to the accused after taking cognizance of the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case. P Chidambaram, who is lodged in Tihar jail, will also be produced before the court on October 24. His judicial custody is slated to end that day. The CBI had recently filed a charge sheet against fourteen accused, including P Chidambaram, Karti, his accountant S Bhaskaran, INX News, INX Media, its former director Peter Mukerjea, Chess Management Services Private Limited, Advantage Strategic Consulting Private Limited, and a handful of bureaucrats. The bureaucrats who have been charged are Ajeet Kumar Dungdung, the then Section Officer, and Rabindra Prasad, the then Under Secretary and Prabodh Saxena, Director, FIPB unit of Finance Ministry, Pradeep Kumar Bagga, the then Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Anup K Pujari, the then Joint Secretary and Sindhushree Khullar, Additional Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs. The accused have been charged for the criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and for taking gratification and criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act. The investigating agency, earlier today, told the court that it has necessary sanctions to prosecute all the accused, including the public servants, in the case. The CBI in its charge sheet revealed that Karti Chidambaram influenced public servants to extend favors to the INX Media and also used false invoices as a genuine document to demand an illegal gratification of Rs 10 lakh from the company. The charge sheet also submitted that INX Media former directors -- Indrani Mukerjea and Peter Mukerjea -- met P Chidambaram in his office in the North Block regarding the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to INX Media Private Limited and INX News Private Limited and during the meeting, the then Finance Minister demanded illegal gratification from them in the form of overseas payoffs for himself. He also demanded that the business interest of his son Karti be taken care of in lieu of FIPB approval, the charge sheet stated. It also submitted that the meeting between the three corroborated through the records relating to their [Indrani and Peter] stay in Hotel Oberoi and the taxi bill for the travel. The visitor`s log of P Chidambaram`s office, however, could not be made available as it was weeded out. It also mentioned that the Mukerjea duo and the legal head of INX Media, on the instructions of P Chidambaram, met Karti for a coffee at the hotel Hayat Regency in June 2008. In the meeting, Karti assured them that the "contentious issues would be resolved".In August, earlier this year, P Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Finance Minister.

INX Media: Court takes cognisance of CBI charge sheet, issues summons to all accused including Chidambaram's son

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Thursday accused the central agencies of "bogus investigation" and working with an "agenda" to keep his father P Chidambaram in custody after a court today sent the former union minister to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the INX Media money laundering case till October 24.

"This is a bogus investigation. Their agenda is not a genuine investigation but to keep him (P Chidambaram) in custody as soon as it is permissible in the law. There is no ostensible purpose than to keep him in custody," Karti told reporters.

He alleged that the ED was presenting "the same bogey of accounts and shell companies" before courts to seek the custody of the 74-year-old leader.

"My father and I are MPs and our assets and liabilities are in the public domain," said Karti.&nbsp;

P Chidambaram, a former union minister, was arrested by the ED on Wednesday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.&nbsp;

A special court here sent to the ED custody till October 24 on Thursday. Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar, while sending Chidambaram to the custody, allowed an application filed by Chidambaram seeking western toilet, home-cooked food, medicine and a separate cell.

In August, the senior Congress leader was booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the charges of corruption in the same case.&nbsp;

In the CBI case, the court extended his judicial custody in Tihar jail till October 24.

The case pertains to an FIR registered by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by Chidambaram when he was the Finance Minister.ED is investigating the alleged offence of money laundering that arose out of the FIR.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Thursday accused the central agencies of "bogus investigation" and working with an "agenda" to keep his father P Chidambaram in custody after a court today sent the former union minister to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the INX Media money laundering case till October 24.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Thursday accused the central agencies of "bogus investigation" and working with an "agenda" to keep his father P Chidambaram in custody after a court today sent the former union minister to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the INX Media money laundering case till October 24. "This is a bogus investigation. Their agenda is not a genuine investigation but to keep him (P Chidambaram) in custody as soon as it is permissible in the law. There is no ostensible purpose than to keep him in custody," Karti told reporters. He alleged that the ED was presenting "the same bogey of accounts and shell companies" before courts to seek the custody of the 74-year-old leader. "My father and I are MPs and our assets and liabilities are in the public domain," said Karti. P Chidambaram, a former union minister, was arrested by the ED on Wednesday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. A special court here sent to the ED custody till October 24 on Thursday. Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar, while sending Chidambaram to the custody, allowed an application filed by Chidambaram seeking western toilet, home-cooked food, medicine and a separate cell. In August, the senior Congress leader was booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the charges of corruption in the same case. In the CBI case, the court extended his judicial custody in Tihar jail till October 24. The case pertains to an FIR registered by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by Chidambaram when he was the Finance Minister.ED is investigating the alleged offence of money laundering that arose out of the FIR.

Central agencies want to keep my father in custody for long period: Karti Chidambaram

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday arrested former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-three-enforcement-directorate-officers-to-question-p-chidambaram-at-tihar-jail-256153">Finance Minister P Chidambaram</a> after grilling him for nearly two hours at Delhi`s Tihar Jail in connection with the INX Media money laundering case.

At present, ED officials along with Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Naveen Kumar Matta are outside the court of special judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar for issuance of production warrant.

Chidambaram's arrest came a day after a special court allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to grill Chidambaram for 30 minutes in connection with the matter to decide on his arrest.

A three-member team of ED including Mahesh Gupta, Sandeep Thapliyal, and Dainik Jain had arrived at Tihar Jail to interrogate P Chidambaram, who is lodged in the case which is also being investigated by the CBI.

Nalini and Karti Chidambaram, the wife and son of the Congress leader, too reached the jail premises ahead of the interrogation process.

Chidambaram is in judicial custody in Tihar Jail since September 5 in a corruption case related to the alleged scam being probed by the CBI and ED.

His remand is slated to end on October 17. The case pertains to an FIR registered by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by Chidambaram when he was the Finance Minister.

ED is investigating the alleged offence of money laundering that arose out of the FIR.&nbsp;

 
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The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday arrested former Finance Minister P Chidambaram after grilling him for nearly two hours at Delhi`s Tihar Jail in connection with the INX Media money laundering case.

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday arrested former Finance Minister P Chidambaram after grilling him for nearly two hours at Delhi`s Tihar Jail in connection with the INX Media money laundering case. At present, ED officials along with Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Naveen Kumar Matta are outside the court of special judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar for issuance of production warrant. Chidambaram's arrest came a day after a special court allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to grill Chidambaram for 30 minutes in connection with the matter to decide on his arrest. A three-member team of ED including Mahesh Gupta, Sandeep Thapliyal, and Dainik Jain had arrived at Tihar Jail to interrogate P Chidambaram, who is lodged in the case which is also being investigated by the CBI. Nalini and Karti Chidambaram, the wife and son of the Congress leader, too reached the jail premises ahead of the interrogation process. Chidambaram is in judicial custody in Tihar Jail since September 5 in a corruption case related to the alleged scam being probed by the CBI and ED. His remand is slated to end on October 17. The case pertains to an FIR registered by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by Chidambaram when he was the Finance Minister. ED is investigating the alleged offence of money laundering that arose out of the FIR.

INX media case: Enforcement Directorate arrests P Chidambaram after questioning him at Tihar jail

A team of three ED (Enforcement Directorate) officers will question <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-seeks-permission-to-arrest-p-chidambaram-in-inx-media-case-255835">former Union Minister P Chidambaram</a> in Tihar Jail on Wednesday morning in connection with INX media money laundering case. 
 
This came after a special court here allowed the law enforcement agency to interrogate Chidambaram for 30 minutes in connection with the matter. 
 
Special CBI Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar allowed the ED to interrogate the Congress leader and arrest him if deemed necessary. 
 
The ED officers who will interrogate Chidambaram are Mahesh Gupta, Sandeep Thapliyal and Dainik Jain. 
 
It also directed Tihar Jail authorities to make necessary arrangements and provide a secure place to interrogate Chidambaram in the prison. 
 
The special judge gave the directions based on a plea filed by the ED seeking permission to arrest the senior Congress leader in the case. 
 
Meanwhile, the court also dismissed the application moved by the lawyer of Chidambaram challenging the court's earlier order of the production of the senior Congress leader. 
 
In his application, Chidambaram had stated that a warrant issued on Friday seeking his production for arrest and remand for investigation was illegal and contrary to the rules. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-chidambaram-to-be-produced-before-delhi-court-today-enforcement-directorate-to-seek-custody-255736">Chidambaram is currently in judicial custody in Tihar Jail</a> in a corruption case related to the alleged scam being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His remand is slated to end on October 17. 
 
The case pertains to an FIR registered by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by Chidambaram when he was the Finance Minister.

A team of three ED (Enforcement Directorate) officers will question former Union Minister P Chidambaram in Tihar Jail on Wednesday morning in connection with INX media money laundering case.

A team of three ED (Enforcement Directorate) officers will question former Union Minister P Chidambaram in Tihar Jail on Wednesday morning in connection with INX media money laundering case. This came after a special court here allowed the law enforcement agency to interrogate Chidambaram for 30 minutes in connection with the matter. Special CBI Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar allowed the ED to interrogate the Congress leader and arrest him if deemed necessary. The ED officers who will interrogate Chidambaram are Mahesh Gupta, Sandeep Thapliyal and Dainik Jain. It also directed Tihar Jail authorities to make necessary arrangements and provide a secure place to interrogate Chidambaram in the prison. The special judge gave the directions based on a plea filed by the ED seeking permission to arrest the senior Congress leader in the case. Meanwhile, the court also dismissed the application moved by the lawyer of Chidambaram challenging the court's earlier order of the production of the senior Congress leader. In his application, Chidambaram had stated that a warrant issued on Friday seeking his production for arrest and remand for investigation was illegal and contrary to the rules. Chidambaram is currently in judicial custody in Tihar Jail in a corruption case related to the alleged scam being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His remand is slated to end on October 17. The case pertains to an FIR registered by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by Chidambaram when he was the Finance Minister.

INX media case: Three Enforcement Directorate officers to question P Chidambaram at Tihar Jail

Congress leader and former finance minister&nbsp;P Chidambaram is likely to be arrested by the&nbsp;Enforcement Directorate (ED)&nbsp;on October 14 as a special court in Delhi on Friday ordered for his production before it in connection with INX Media money laundering case.

Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar has sought his production in the court on October 14 at 3 pm.&nbsp;

During the proceedings today, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing ED in the matter, told the court that Chidambaram`s custodial interrogation is required as the agency wants to seek information related to the shell company in abroad and 17 bank accounts from him.

Even the Supreme Court had observed that his custodial interrogation is required in the case, Mehta asserted.

Chidambaram is currently in judicial custody in Tihar jail in the corruption case related to the alleged scam being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The case pertains to an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by P Chidambaram when he was the Union finance minister.

The ED is investigating the alleged offence of money laundering that arose out of the FIR.

(With inputs from ANI)

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram is likely to be arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 14 as a special court in Delhi on Friday ordered for his production before it in connection with INX Media money laundering case.

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram is likely to be arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 14 as a special court in Delhi on Friday ordered for his production before it in connection with INX Media money laundering case. Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar has sought his production in the court on October 14 at 3 pm. During the proceedings today, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing ED in the matter, told the court that Chidambaram`s custodial interrogation is required as the agency wants to seek information related to the shell company in abroad and 17 bank accounts from him. Even the Supreme Court had observed that his custodial interrogation is required in the case, Mehta asserted. Chidambaram is currently in judicial custody in Tihar jail in the corruption case related to the alleged scam being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The case pertains to an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by P Chidambaram when he was the Union finance minister. The ED is investigating the alleged offence of money laundering that arose out of the FIR. (With inputs from ANI)

INX media case: ED likely to arrest P Chidambaram on Monday

The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram on a petition filed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking cancellation of their anticipatory bail in Aircel-Maxis case.

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait asked the father-son duo to file their response by November 29 and posted the hearing on the matter for the same day.

Chidambaram is also an accused in the INX Media case. He is in judicial custody in Tihar jail till October 21.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the petition termed the anticipatory bail granted to the accused as `unwarranted` and said that the trial court`s finding was completely "perverse and untenable" in law.

The probe agency said that they both remained evasive during the investigation.

"There is a likelihood that the accused could tamper with evidence and influence witnesses," it said.

The case relates to alleged irregularities in granting a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal.

The approval was allegedly granted in 2006 when Chidambaram was the Union Finance Minister.

A Special Court had, on September 5, granted anticipatory bail to the duo in the case observing that the entire evidence related to the commission of the crime is "documentary in nature and not liable to be tampered with" by both the accused.

The court said that since both the accused are the lawmakers, there is "no apparent possibility of the accused fleeing from justice."

"Also, there is no possibility of the accused committing any similar crime again as they are not holding any official position in the government at present. The witnesses are also from DoT, Ministry of Finance and banks and as such, there is no possibility of them being threatened or influenced by any of the accused," the court had stated. 
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The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram on a petition filed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking cancellation of their anticipatory bail in Aircel-Maxis case.

The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram on a petition filed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking cancellation of their anticipatory bail in Aircel-Maxis case. Justice Suresh Kumar Kait asked the father-son duo to file their response by November 29 and posted the hearing on the matter for the same day. Chidambaram is also an accused in the INX Media case. He is in judicial custody in Tihar jail till October 21. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the petition termed the anticipatory bail granted to the accused as `unwarranted` and said that the trial court`s finding was completely "perverse and untenable" in law. The probe agency said that they both remained evasive during the investigation. "There is a likelihood that the accused could tamper with evidence and influence witnesses," it said. The case relates to alleged irregularities in granting a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal. The approval was allegedly granted in 2006 when Chidambaram was the Union Finance Minister. A Special Court had, on September 5, granted anticipatory bail to the duo in the case observing that the entire evidence related to the commission of the crime is "documentary in nature and not liable to be tampered with" by both the accused. The court said that since both the accused are the lawmakers, there is "no apparent possibility of the accused fleeing from justice." "Also, there is no possibility of the accused committing any similar crime again as they are not holding any official position in the government at present. The witnesses are also from DoT, Ministry of Finance and banks and as such, there is no possibility of them being threatened or influenced by any of the accused," the court had stated.

Aircel-Maxis case: Notice issued to P Chidambaram, Karti on ED's plea challenging anticipatory bail

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday moved the Supreme Court challenging the recent order of the Delhi High Court that dismissed his bail plea in the INX Media case.

The High Court had dismissed Chidambaram's plea asserting that he might influence witnesses in the case.

Following this, Chidambaram's counsel, Kapil Sibal, moved a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the apex court today, seeking urgent hearing into it.

A bench of Justice N V Ramana, however, assured that Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi will take a decision on the matter later during the day.

The file has been sent to him for consideration for the listing of the matter.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested Chidambaram on August 21 following which he was sent to judicial custody, which is slated to end today.

While CBI is probing the corruption allegations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is looking into money laundering allegations against him in the case.

Chidambaram is facing probe for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday moved the Supreme Court challenging the recent order of the Delhi High Court that dismissed his bail plea in the INX Media case.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday moved the Supreme Court challenging the recent order of the Delhi High Court that dismissed his bail plea in the INX Media case. The High Court had dismissed Chidambaram's plea asserting that he might influence witnesses in the case. Following this, Chidambaram's counsel, Kapil Sibal, moved a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the apex court today, seeking urgent hearing into it. A bench of Justice N V Ramana, however, assured that Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi will take a decision on the matter later during the day. The file has been sent to him for consideration for the listing of the matter. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested Chidambaram on August 21 following which he was sent to judicial custody, which is slated to end today. While CBI is probing the corruption allegations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is looking into money laundering allegations against him in the case. Chidambaram is facing probe for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister.

INX Media: P Chidambaram moves Supreme Court challenging after Delhi high court dismissed bail

Our experience tells those who fled country were respectable, responsible businessmen: CBI tells court on Chidambaram''s flight risk

The CBI on Friday said former union minister P Chidambaram is at flight risk while arguing in the Delhi High Court against the Congress leader`s bail plea in the INX media case.&nbsp;

The agency said that all those who have fled the country were all respectable and responsible businessmen of the society and this is a serious case where a person knows he may be punished.&nbsp;

He is powerful, influential and economically strong enough to settle down in another country.

Senior Kapil Sibal, appearing for Chidambaram said he is not at flight risk and there is no evidence of me tampering with evidence.&nbsp;

"All the persons concerned have given their statements and all documents are in the files. Why the prosecution agency wants P Chidambaram to continue to be in jail? P Chidambaram`s is in their Custody (CBI custody and Judicial custody) since 40 days now," he said.

CBI through SG Tushar Mehta further told the Delhi High Court that Chidambaram putting out tweets (through his family members) on the merits of the INX media case is an attempt to influence the case and the investigation.&nbsp;

"There has been a tendency that influential people have been influencing proceedings through social media," he added.&nbsp;

On CBI allegations that P Chidambaram had met Indrani Mukharji, Sibal said that the Congress leader has never met Indrani Mukherjee at any stage.&nbsp;

"Peter Mukharjee also said in a confrontation that Indrani was not the part of the delegation. Indrani is in custody for the allegation of the murder of her own daughter. Her statement can`t be relied upon," he said.&nbsp;

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait who is hearing the bail plea of P Chidambaram reserved the order P Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI on 21st August in INX media case and currently in judicial custody and lodged in Tihar Jail.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Chidambaram also stated, "After spending 40 days in prison, he will flee? They have to justify each day of incarceration. What is it that you cannot do outside jail but can do inside it."&nbsp;

A Delhi court on September 19 extended Chidambaram`s judicial custody till October 3 in a corruption case filed by the CBI.

Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI on August 21. At present, he is in judicial custody in Tihar Jail.

He is facing a probe by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged irregularities in granting the clearance to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007.

Earlier in the day, the Court had reserved the order on Chidambaram`s bail plea in the INX Media case.

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait reserved the order after the lawyers from both sides concluded their arguments.

Chidambaram was the Finance Minister when the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) gave Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) clearance to INX Media in 2007. He is facing probe by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged irregularities in granting clearance to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore. 
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Our experience tells those who fled country were respectable, responsible businessmen: CBI tells court on Chidambaram''s flight risk The CBI on Friday said former union minister P Chidambaram is at flight risk while arguing in the Delhi High Court against the Congress leader`s bail plea in the INX media case.

Our experience tells those who fled country were respectable, responsible businessmen: CBI tells court on Chidambaram''s flight risk The CBI on Friday said former union minister P Chidambaram is at flight risk while arguing in the Delhi High Court against the Congress leader`s bail plea in the INX media case. The agency said that all those who have fled the country were all respectable and responsible businessmen of the society and this is a serious case where a person knows he may be punished. He is powerful, influential and economically strong enough to settle down in another country. Senior Kapil Sibal, appearing for Chidambaram said he is not at flight risk and there is no evidence of me tampering with evidence. "All the persons concerned have given their statements and all documents are in the files. Why the prosecution agency wants P Chidambaram to continue to be in jail? P Chidambaram`s is in their Custody (CBI custody and Judicial custody) since 40 days now," he said. CBI through SG Tushar Mehta further told the Delhi High Court that Chidambaram putting out tweets (through his family members) on the merits of the INX media case is an attempt to influence the case and the investigation. "There has been a tendency that influential people have been influencing proceedings through social media," he added. On CBI allegations that P Chidambaram had met Indrani Mukharji, Sibal said that the Congress leader has never met Indrani Mukherjee at any stage. "Peter Mukharjee also said in a confrontation that Indrani was not the part of the delegation. Indrani is in custody for the allegation of the murder of her own daughter. Her statement can`t be relied upon," he said. Justice Suresh Kumar Kait who is hearing the bail plea of P Chidambaram reserved the order P Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI on 21st August in INX media case and currently in judicial custody and lodged in Tihar Jail. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Chidambaram also stated, "After spending 40 days in prison, he will flee? They have to justify each day of incarceration. What is it that you cannot do outside jail but can do inside it." A Delhi court on September 19 extended Chidambaram`s judicial custody till October 3 in a corruption case filed by the CBI. Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI on August 21. At present, he is in judicial custody in Tihar Jail. He is facing a probe by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged irregularities in granting the clearance to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007. Earlier in the day, the Court had reserved the order on Chidambaram`s bail plea in the INX Media case. Justice Suresh Kumar Kait reserved the order after the lawyers from both sides concluded their arguments. Chidambaram was the Finance Minister when the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) gave Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) clearance to INX Media in 2007. He is facing probe by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged irregularities in granting clearance to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore.

Our experience tells those who fled country were respectable, responsible businessmen: CBI tells court on Chidambaram's flight risk

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday opposed former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's bail plea filed in the Delhi High Court in the INX Media case, on the grounds of "gravity of the offence and the magnitude of the financial embezzlement".

In a reply filed on the Chidambaram'&nbsp;petition, the CBI said that granting bail in "such cases will set a wrong precedent" in the corruption cases.

The agency submitted that the former minister received payments in India and overseas "in connection with FIPB approval and amicably settling down the issues relating to a violation of FEMA".

"That investigation conducted so far has revealed that the accused/ petitioner, while working as the Finance Minister, demanded illegal gratification against which payments were made in India as well as overseas to the Petitioner/accused and his son Karti Chidambaram by other co-accused Indrani Mukerjee and Pratim Mukerjea from various bank accounts maintained in the country as well as abroad in connection with FIPB approval and amicably resolving/settling down the issues relating to violation of FEMA by their company INX Media Pvt Ltd/INX News Pvt. Ltd," said agency in the reply.

Asserting that "sufficient evidence" is available against Chidamabaram, the agency said, "It is further submitted that the statements recorded so far also clearly corroborates the accusation against the accused/petitioner which clearly shows that the accused is the main conspirator of the enure offence, which makes it grave enough to disentitle him from seeking an order of bail from this court."

Hearing on the petition filed by Chidambaram, who is currently lodged Tihar Jail, is scheduled to take place on Monday.

On Thursday, a Delhi court extended his till judicial custody to October 3 in the corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

He was arrested by the CBI on August 21 and was in its custody till September 5.

On August 6, he was sent to judicial custody which was to end on Thursday. Chidambaram, through one of his counsels, sought the court's direction for a regular check-up and adequate supplement diet in the jail, asserting that he is facing various ailments and has lost some weight during his jail-term.

His counsel Kapil Sibal also said that the Congress leader was given even a chair or pillow in his cell.

Chidambaram was the Finance Minister when the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) gave Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) clearance to INX Media in 2007.

He is facing probe by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged irregularities in granting clearance to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore. 
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday opposed former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's bail plea filed in the Delhi High Court in the INX Media case, on the grounds of "gravity of the offence and the magnitude of the financial embezzlement".

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday opposed former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's bail plea filed in the Delhi High Court in the INX Media case, on the grounds of "gravity of the offence and the magnitude of the financial embezzlement". In a reply filed on the Chidambaram' petition, the CBI said that granting bail in "such cases will set a wrong precedent" in the corruption cases. The agency submitted that the former minister received payments in India and overseas "in connection with FIPB approval and amicably settling down the issues relating to a violation of FEMA". "That investigation conducted so far has revealed that the accused/ petitioner, while working as the Finance Minister, demanded illegal gratification against which payments were made in India as well as overseas to the Petitioner/accused and his son Karti Chidambaram by other co-accused Indrani Mukerjee and Pratim Mukerjea from various bank accounts maintained in the country as well as abroad in connection with FIPB approval and amicably resolving/settling down the issues relating to violation of FEMA by their company INX Media Pvt Ltd/INX News Pvt. Ltd," said agency in the reply. Asserting that "sufficient evidence" is available against Chidamabaram, the agency said, "It is further submitted that the statements recorded so far also clearly corroborates the accusation against the accused/petitioner which clearly shows that the accused is the main conspirator of the enure offence, which makes it grave enough to disentitle him from seeking an order of bail from this court." Hearing on the petition filed by Chidambaram, who is currently lodged Tihar Jail, is scheduled to take place on Monday. On Thursday, a Delhi court extended his till judicial custody to October 3 in the corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He was arrested by the CBI on August 21 and was in its custody till September 5. On August 6, he was sent to judicial custody which was to end on Thursday. Chidambaram, through one of his counsels, sought the court's direction for a regular check-up and adequate supplement diet in the jail, asserting that he is facing various ailments and has lost some weight during his jail-term. His counsel Kapil Sibal also said that the Congress leader was given even a chair or pillow in his cell. Chidambaram was the Finance Minister when the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) gave Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) clearance to INX Media in 2007. He is facing probe by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged irregularities in granting clearance to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore.

INX media case: CBI opposes Chidambaram's bail plea in Delhi HC citing 'gravity of offence'

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday summoned former finance minister P Chidambaram`s personal secretary K V K Perumal to appear before it on September 18 for questioning.ED deputy director Manish Gupta and R S Thapilial will examine him.

They have sought the property details of his family members, photocopies of visas, passports and countries travelled since 2004.

The agency has also sought answers to 40 questions from him. Notably, Perumal had evaded questions during the last two times when he was interrogated by the agency.

Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by both the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance (FIPB) given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the union finance minister.

Counsel representing Chidambaram in the Supreme Court had earlier said that the FIPB clearance to INX Media was approved by six Secretaries to the government and that his client, being a minister, had merely signed the document.

In a tweet, Chidambaram had earlier said the no official should be arrested in the case as "no officer has done anything wrong".

The 74-year-old leader was arrested by the CBI on August 21 and sent to its custody for interrogation. Last week, a CBI court sent Chidambaram to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till September 19.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday summoned former finance minister P Chidambaram`s personal secretary K V K Perumal to appear before it on September 18 for questioning.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday summoned former finance minister P Chidambaram`s personal secretary K V K Perumal to appear before it on September 18 for questioning.ED deputy director Manish Gupta and R S Thapilial will examine him. They have sought the property details of his family members, photocopies of visas, passports and countries travelled since 2004. The agency has also sought answers to 40 questions from him. Notably, Perumal had evaded questions during the last two times when he was interrogated by the agency. Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by both the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance (FIPB) given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the union finance minister. Counsel representing Chidambaram in the Supreme Court had earlier said that the FIPB clearance to INX Media was approved by six Secretaries to the government and that his client, being a minister, had merely signed the document. In a tweet, Chidambaram had earlier said the no official should be arrested in the case as "no officer has done anything wrong". The 74-year-old leader was arrested by the CBI on August 21 and sent to its custody for interrogation. Last week, a CBI court sent Chidambaram to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till September 19.

Enforcement Directorate summons former personal secretary of P Chidambaram

A special court on Thursday reserved its order on former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram's application seeking to surrender to the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case after hearing arguments from both sides.

Justice Ajay Kumar Kuhar will pronounce his order on Friday.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), sought the dismissal of the application saying that the enforcement agency does not want Chidambaram's custody because they are "using this time to investigate the matter".

Advocates Amit Mahajan and Nitesh Rana also appeared for the ED along with Mehta.

"As of now, we don't want his custodial remand. We will seek his custody at an appropriate time. Since Chidambaram is already in judicial custody, he cannot tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. We are using this time to its maximum to investigate the matter," Mehta told the court.

He also said that choosing the date of arrest is not a right of the accused.

"We are waiting to see if the "conducive time" occurs immediately at the end of Chidambaram`s judicial custody. So we want dismissal of this application of surrender moved by P Chidambaram as it is not maintainable," Mehta said.

The solicitor general submitted that the "arrest was necessary but ED cannot be directed to arrest him (Chidambaram) on a particular date.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Arshdeep, appearing for Chidambaram, argued that ED official had come to arrest the Congress leader to his residence.

"ED has several times stated that custodial interrogation is needed. So why are they opposing it now," Sibal said.

He said that this is a punitive measure and that they are trying to prolonging it.

"This is mala fide, with the intent to punish Chidambaram and make him suffer. I want the investigation to be over. ED is changing its stand now it is clear that they intend to harass him," Sibal said.

He also added that the accused always has the right to surrender in court.

The Congress leader was arrested by CBI in the INX Media case on Aug 21 and sent to CBI custody for interrogation.

Last week, a CBI court sent Chidambaram to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till September 19.

Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union Finance Minister.&nbsp;

 
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A special court on Thursday reserved its order on former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram's application seeking to surrender to the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case after hearing arguments from both sides.

A special court on Thursday reserved its order on former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram's application seeking to surrender to the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case after hearing arguments from both sides. Justice Ajay Kumar Kuhar will pronounce his order on Friday. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), sought the dismissal of the application saying that the enforcement agency does not want Chidambaram's custody because they are "using this time to investigate the matter". Advocates Amit Mahajan and Nitesh Rana also appeared for the ED along with Mehta. "As of now, we don't want his custodial remand. We will seek his custody at an appropriate time. Since Chidambaram is already in judicial custody, he cannot tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. We are using this time to its maximum to investigate the matter," Mehta told the court. He also said that choosing the date of arrest is not a right of the accused. "We are waiting to see if the "conducive time" occurs immediately at the end of Chidambaram`s judicial custody. So we want dismissal of this application of surrender moved by P Chidambaram as it is not maintainable," Mehta said. The solicitor general submitted that the "arrest was necessary but ED cannot be directed to arrest him (Chidambaram) on a particular date. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Arshdeep, appearing for Chidambaram, argued that ED official had come to arrest the Congress leader to his residence. "ED has several times stated that custodial interrogation is needed. So why are they opposing it now," Sibal said. He said that this is a punitive measure and that they are trying to prolonging it. "This is mala fide, with the intent to punish Chidambaram and make him suffer. I want the investigation to be over. ED is changing its stand now it is clear that they intend to harass him," Sibal said. He also added that the accused always has the right to surrender in court. The Congress leader was arrested by CBI in the INX Media case on Aug 21 and sent to CBI custody for interrogation. Last week, a CBI court sent Chidambaram to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till September 19. Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union Finance Minister.

Court to pronounce order on Chidambaram's surrender application today

A special court on Thursday reserved its order on former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram's application <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-delhi-high-court-issues-notice-to-cbi-on-chidambarams-bail-plea-249166">seeking to surrender to the Enforcement Directorate</a> in a money laundering case after hearing arguments from both sides.

Justice Ajay Kumar Kuhar will pronounce his order on Friday.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), sought the dismissal of the application saying that the enforcement agency does not want Chidambaram's custody because they are "using this time to investigate the matter".

Advocates Amit Mahajan and Nitesh Rana also appeared for the ED along with Mehta.

"As of now, we don't want his custodial remand. We will seek his custody at an appropriate time. Since Chidambaram is already in judicial custody, he cannot tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. We are using this time to its maximum to investigate the matter," Mehta told the court.

He also said that choosing the date of arrest is not a right of the accused.

"We are waiting to see if the "conducive time" occurs immediately at the end of Chidambaram's judicial custody. So we want dismissal of this application of surrender moved by P Chidambaram as it is not maintainable," Mehta said.

The solicitor general submitted that the "arrest was necessary but ED cannot be directed to arrest him (Chidambaram) on a particular date.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Arshdeep, appearing for Chidambaram, argued that ED official had come to arrest the Congress leader to his residence.

"ED has several times stated that custodial interrogation is needed. So why are they opposing it now," Sibal said.

He said that this is a punitive measure and that they are trying to prolonging it.

"This is mala fide, with the intent to punish Chidambaram and make him suffer. I want the investigation to be over. ED is changing its stand now it is clear that they intend to harass him," Sibal said.

He also added that the accused always has the right to surrender in court.

The Congress leader was arrested by CBI in the INX Media case on Aug 21 and sent to CBI custody for interrogation. Last week, a CBI court sent Chidambaram to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till September 19.

Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union Finance Minister.

A special court on Thursday reserved its order on former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram's application seeking to surrender to the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case after hearing arguments from both sides. Justice Ajay Kumar Kuhar will pronounce his order on Friday. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), sought the dismissal of the application saying that the enforcement agency does not want Chidambaram's custody because they are "using this time to investigate the matter". Advocates Amit Mahajan and Nitesh Rana also appeared for the ED along with Mehta. "As of now, we don't want his custodial remand. We will seek his custody at an appropriate time. Since Chidambaram is already in judicial custody, he cannot tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. We are using this time to its maximum to investigate the matter," Mehta told the court. He also said that choosing the date of arrest is not a right of the accused. "We are waiting to see if the "conducive time" occurs immediately at the end of Chidambaram's judicial custody. So we want dismissal of this application of surrender moved by P Chidambaram as it is not maintainable," Mehta said. The solicitor general submitted that the "arrest was necessary but ED cannot be directed to arrest him (Chidambaram) on a particular date. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Arshdeep, appearing for Chidambaram, argued that ED official had come to arrest the Congress leader to his residence. "ED has several times stated that custodial interrogation is needed. So why are they opposing it now," Sibal said. He said that this is a punitive measure and that they are trying to prolonging it. "This is mala fide, with the intent to punish Chidambaram and make him suffer. I want the investigation to be over. ED is changing its stand now it is clear that they intend to harass him," Sibal said. He also added that the accused always has the right to surrender in court. The Congress leader was arrested by CBI in the INX Media case on Aug 21 and sent to CBI custody for interrogation. Last week, a CBI court sent Chidambaram to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till September 19. Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union Finance Minister.

INX media case: Delhi Court reserves order on Chidambaram's surrender application to Enforcement Directorate

Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram's plea seeking bail and challenging judicial custody order given by a trial court in the INX Media case.

The court asked CBI to file a status report in the bail plea within 7 days and slated the matter for hearing on September 23.

Chidambaram's lawyers have also withdrawn their second plea challenging his judicial custody.

The Congress leader was arrested by CBI in the INX Media case on Aug 21 and sent to CBI custody for interrogation.

Last week, a CBI court sent Chidambaram to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till September 19.

Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union Finance Minister.&nbsp;

Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram's plea seeking bail and challenging judicial custody order given by a trial court in the INX Media case.

Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram's plea seeking bail and challenging judicial custody order given by a trial court in the INX Media case. The court asked CBI to file a status report in the bail plea within 7 days and slated the matter for hearing on September 23. Chidambaram's lawyers have also withdrawn their second plea challenging his judicial custody. The Congress leader was arrested by CBI in the INX Media case on Aug 21 and sent to CBI custody for interrogation. Last week, a CBI court sent Chidambaram to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till September 19. Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union Finance Minister.

INX media case: Delhi High Court issues notice to CBI on Chidambaram's bail plea

Ukraine Removes Immunity For Lawmakers, While Accused Politicians Act As If They Are Above The Law In India On Gravitas Food for Thought, Palki looks at two stories that evolved in the last week. Ukraine removed immunity from prosecution for its lawmakers. Ukraine's lawmakers can now be charged for corruption just like any other citizen. Contrast this to the victory gesture of P Chidambaram, the former Home Minister who's facing corruption charges. Are Indian politicians above law? Is it time to scrap partial immunity to lawmakers in India?

Gravitas food for thought: Are politicians beyond the rule of law in India?

Since the 1990s, two leaders who rose on the political horizon and were closely watched were Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram. Both were sophisticated spokesmen for their respective parties, namely the BJP and the Congress. Both were lawyers and very eloquent in English, both written and spoken.

Jaitley, in a sense was a local product — studied in Delhi, active in ABVP and jailed during the Emergency. He married Sangeeta, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir finance minister, Girdhari Lal Dogra. Both his children are lawyers. He was a one-party-man throughout his life. He was trusted as a troubleshooter and had the ear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

P Chidambaram’s maternal grandfather, Annamalai Chettiar, was the founder of Annamalai University. Chidambaram got his law degree from Madras, but went to Harvard to pursue higher education in management.&nbsp;

But, the Harvard business education did not change his political orientation — Left of centre. He ran a Leftist magazine in Tamil Nadu with N Ram of The Hindu and Marxist Mythili Shivaraman — called Radical Review, mostly aligned to the CPI(M).&nbsp;

He was a junior to the legendary MK Nambiar and current Attorney General KK Venugopal. He met his wife Nalini in those days — she was also a lawyer — and married her even though she belonged to a different caste. She is the daughter of former Supreme Court judge PS Kailasam.

Chidambaram — better known as PC — was close to Rajiv Gandhi and was a minister from the late 1980s. Initially, he was a junior minister in 1986, but moved significantly up the ladder — except for 1999 to 2004 when the BJP was in power.

But along with Moopanar, PC quit the Congress and formed the Tamil Maanila Congress due to the party’s decision to align with Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK. Later, he floated his own party, but finally came back to the Congress. In that sense, he was not a one-party man.

Chidambaram was elected seven times between 1984 to 1999 and 2004 to 2014 from Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu, but is not considered a mass leader. He has always been dependent on one of the Dravidian parties, and the one time he stood on his own, he was defeated by Congress candidate Sudarshan Natchiappan.

Jaitley also cannot be considered a mass leader. He lost the only election he fought from Amritsar in 2014, in spite of the “Modi Wave”. He was always the backroom boy, who knew the byzantine bylanes of Delhi and its Lutyen manipulators.

Both Jaitley and Chidambaram held finance portfolios for long — Chidambaram from 2004 to 2014 and Jaitley from 2014 to 2019.&nbsp;

PC was commerce minister in the PV Narasimha Rao cabinet. He reportedly rewrote the country’s foreign trade policy at one go during a non-stop eight-hour session in Udyog Bhavan in July 1991.&nbsp;

Many may not recall that PC resigned from the Rao cabinet during the Harshad Mehta scam since his family was presumably, a major shareholder in one of the related companies, in what came to be known as the Fairgrowth case.

Interestingly, the lawyer who argued on Chidambaram’s behalf, in this case, was another prominent lawyer-cum-politician — Arun Jaitley.

In their own words, they were good friends. In 2012, Jaitley was the then Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Chidambaram was the Home Minister of India. The Parliament was discussing the 2G scam. Jaitley led the opposition’s charge to question Chidambaram on the deal. Chidambaram initially said he was “happy” that his “friend of 22 years” was raising the issue. “I have great respect for the manner in which he raised the question,” Chidambaram said, adding, “and I sincerely hope that I would be able to respond to that and clarify all the doubts.”&nbsp;

But when Jaitley continued to grill the Congress leader, Chidambaram became emotional. “(I don’t) want to reveal private conversations (presumably between Jaitley and him) but I still maintain that it would be much simpler if somebody took a dagger and plunged it into my heart rather than question my integrity,” he said. The barb was clearly directed at Jaitley.

However, the role of Chidambaram and his wife in many dealings were not considered above board. He was legal advisor to Enron — but for its collapse, India may have had to pay a huge compensation. His wife, meanwhile, was the legal advisor to Gold Quest scheme, a Pyramid scheme of selling gold coins. She was also advising Saradha group’s chit schemes in West Bengal, which are under investigation. Later, his son Karti has been embroiled in many alleged dubious transactions.

In contrast, there are no major allegations against Jaitley, who was a favourite of the media. Once Arun Shourie jokingly called Jaitley the mass leader of a few Delhi journalists. After Jaitley’s demise, many in the media expressed their personal loss.&nbsp;

PC, though, is not popular with the media since he is perceived as arrogant and not courteous. He even used to set terms for his interviews.&nbsp;

In his younger days, PC was a chocoholic and chips lover, while Jaitley was fond of sweets and other savouries. It is said that Jaitley could remember great restaurants in many parts of the world along with their special dishes.

It will not be easy to replace the likes of Jaitley and Chidambaram as orators. It has been suggested that Jaitley was soft on PC and because of that, some probe agencies were going slow against PC.

Well, one of them is no more. The other is likely to spend long years in jail due to ED cases.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-tale-of-two-political-stalwarts-2788362">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

Since the 1990s, two leaders who rose on the political horizon and were closely watched were Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram. Both were sophisticated spokesmen for their respective parties, namely the BJP and the Congress.

Since the 1990s, two leaders who rose on the political horizon and were closely watched were Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram. Both were sophisticated spokesmen for their respective parties, namely the BJP and the Congress. Both were lawyers and very eloquent in English, both written and spoken. Jaitley, in a sense was a local product — studied in Delhi, active in ABVP and jailed during the Emergency. He married Sangeeta, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir finance minister, Girdhari Lal Dogra. Both his children are lawyers. He was a one-party-man throughout his life. He was trusted as a troubleshooter and had the ear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. P Chidambaram’s maternal grandfather, Annamalai Chettiar, was the founder of Annamalai University. Chidambaram got his law degree from Madras, but went to Harvard to pursue higher education in management. But, the Harvard business education did not change his political orientation — Left of centre. He ran a Leftist magazine in Tamil Nadu with N Ram of The Hindu and Marxist Mythili Shivaraman — called Radical Review, mostly aligned to the CPI(M). He was a junior to the legendary MK Nambiar and current Attorney General KK Venugopal. He met his wife Nalini in those days — she was also a lawyer — and married her even though she belonged to a different caste. She is the daughter of former Supreme Court judge PS Kailasam. Chidambaram — better known as PC — was close to Rajiv Gandhi and was a minister from the late 1980s. Initially, he was a junior minister in 1986, but moved significantly up the ladder — except for 1999 to 2004 when the BJP was in power. But along with Moopanar, PC quit the Congress and formed the Tamil Maanila Congress due to the party’s decision to align with Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK. Later, he floated his own party, but finally came back to the Congress. In that sense, he was not a one-party man. Chidambaram was elected seven times between 1984 to 1999 and 2004 to 2014 from Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu, but is not considered a mass leader. He has always been dependent on one of the Dravidian parties, and the one time he stood on his own, he was defeated by Congress candidate Sudarshan Natchiappan. Jaitley also cannot be considered a mass leader. He lost the only election he fought from Amritsar in 2014, in spite of the “Modi Wave”. He was always the backroom boy, who knew the byzantine bylanes of Delhi and its Lutyen manipulators. Both Jaitley and Chidambaram held finance portfolios for long — Chidambaram from 2004 to 2014 and Jaitley from 2014 to 2019. PC was commerce minister in the PV Narasimha Rao cabinet. He reportedly rewrote the country’s foreign trade policy at one go during a non-stop eight-hour session in Udyog Bhavan in July 1991. Many may not recall that PC resigned from the Rao cabinet during the Harshad Mehta scam since his family was presumably, a major shareholder in one of the related companies, in what came to be known as the Fairgrowth case. Interestingly, the lawyer who argued on Chidambaram’s behalf, in this case, was another prominent lawyer-cum-politician — Arun Jaitley. In their own words, they were good friends. In 2012, Jaitley was the then Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Chidambaram was the Home Minister of India. The Parliament was discussing the 2G scam. Jaitley led the opposition’s charge to question Chidambaram on the deal. Chidambaram initially said he was “happy” that his “friend of 22 years” was raising the issue. “I have great respect for the manner in which he raised the question,” Chidambaram said, adding, “and I sincerely hope that I would be able to respond to that and clarify all the doubts.” But when Jaitley continued to grill the Congress leader, Chidambaram became emotional. “(I don’t) want to reveal private conversations (presumably between Jaitley and him) but I still maintain that it would be much simpler if somebody took a dagger and plunged it into my heart rather than question my integrity,” he said. The barb was clearly directed at Jaitley. However, the role of Chidambaram and his wife in many dealings were not considered above board. He was legal advisor to Enron — but for its collapse, India may have had to pay a huge compensation. His wife, meanwhile, was the legal advisor to Gold Quest scheme, a Pyramid scheme of selling gold coins. She was also advising Saradha group’s chit schemes in West Bengal, which are under investigation. Later, his son Karti has been embroiled in many alleged dubious transactions. In contrast, there are no major allegations against Jaitley, who was a favourite of the media. Once Arun Shourie jokingly called Jaitley the mass leader of a few Delhi journalists. After Jaitley’s demise, many in the media expressed their personal loss. PC, though, is not popular with the media since he is perceived as arrogant and not courteous. He even used to set terms for his interviews. In his younger days, PC was a chocoholic and chips lover, while Jaitley was fond of sweets and other savouries. It is said that Jaitley could remember great restaurants in many parts of the world along with their special dishes. It will not be easy to replace the likes of Jaitley and Chidambaram as orators. It has been suggested that Jaitley was soft on PC and because of that, some probe agencies were going slow against PC. Well, one of them is no more. The other is likely to spend long years in jail due to ED cases. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Tale of two political stalwarts - Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram

A Delhi court on Friday adjourned the Aircel-Maxis case sine die (without assigning a day for a further meeting or hearing).

The case is now adjourned until the application is moved by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to revive the case.

The matter was listed for arguments on the cognisance of charge-sheet in the case. The ED and CBI had sought an adjournment, asking the matter to be listed for the first week in October.

"Prosecution seeking date after dates. Matter deferred sine die. The prosecution asked to approach the court as and when the investigation is complete and as and when they receive Letters Rogatory (LRs) from various countries," the court observed.

c

CBI judge O P Saini observed that entire evidence related to the commission of the crime by the two accused is documentary in nature and is not liable to be tampered with by both accused.

Both the accused are Members of Parliament and P Chidambaram is also the former finance and home minister of the country.

Considering these factors there is no apparent possibility of the accused fleeing from justice, it said.

The special court also said that agencies have also not cited any appreciable reason for such apprehension.

Chidambaram is already in the CBI custody in connection with INX media case in which he got no relief.

His son, Karti Chidambaram, already has bail in the INX media case which was granted to him by the Delhi High Court last year.

Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A Delhi court on Friday adjourned the Aircel-Maxis case sine die (without assigning a day for a further meeting or hearing). The case is now adjourned until the application is moved by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to revive the case.

A Delhi court on Friday adjourned the Aircel-Maxis case sine die (without assigning a day for a further meeting or hearing). The case is now adjourned until the application is moved by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to revive the case. The matter was listed for arguments on the cognisance of charge-sheet in the case. The ED and CBI had sought an adjournment, asking the matter to be listed for the first week in October. "Prosecution seeking date after dates. Matter deferred sine die. The prosecution asked to approach the court as and when the investigation is complete and as and when they receive Letters Rogatory (LRs) from various countries," the court observed. c CBI judge O P Saini observed that entire evidence related to the commission of the crime by the two accused is documentary in nature and is not liable to be tampered with by both accused. Both the accused are Members of Parliament and P Chidambaram is also the former finance and home minister of the country. Considering these factors there is no apparent possibility of the accused fleeing from justice, it said. The special court also said that agencies have also not cited any appreciable reason for such apprehension. Chidambaram is already in the CBI custody in connection with INX media case in which he got no relief. His son, Karti Chidambaram, already has bail in the INX media case which was granted to him by the Delhi High Court last year. Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister.

Delhi court adjourns Aircel Maxis case sine die

Congress leader Karti Chidambaram on Thursday said that he does not see any merit in the judicial custody his father and former finance minister P Chidambaram who was sent to Tihar jail by a special CBI court in the INX media case.

Congress leader Karti Chidambaram on Thursday said that he does not see any merit in the judicial custody his father and former finance minister P Chidambaram who was sent to Tihar jail by a special CBI court in the INX media case. "I don`t see any merit in the judicial custody (of P Chidambaram), particularly for the events which happened 11 years ago. They (CBI) are still nowhere close even of filing a chargesheet. I hope that I will have my father back home very quickly," he told reporters in Delhi. In a double whammy, former finance minister P Chidambaram on Thursday was sent to judicial custody in Tihar jail till September 19 on a day when the Supreme Court also rejected his plea challenging the Delhi High Court order that had refused anticipatory bail to him in the INX Media case. Giving its ruling on a CBI plea, the Special CBI court at Rouse Avenue allowed Chidambaram`s application to provide separate cell to him with adequate security. The Congress leader filed the application before the court seeking direction to ensure safe detention while in judicial custody. He also provisions of adequate security to him and detention in a separate cell. Chidambaram`s lawyers have also moved an application in the court stating that the Congress leader wants to surrender in ED case. Chidambaram was in custody of the CBI after he was arrested in a midnight drama on August 21. Chidambaram was produced in Rouse Avenue Court after the apex court` rejected his appeal against the Delhi High Court order rejecting his anticipatory plea in the INX Media case being probed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) saying that grant of anticipatory bail plea would definitely "hamper" effective investigation. A bench of Justice R Banumathi and Justice AS Bopanna refused to extend protection from arrest by ED to Chidambaram and stated grant of anticipatory bail at the stage of investigation may frustrate the investigating agency in interrogating the accused and in collecting useful information and also the "materials" which might have been "concealed".

No merit in Chidambaram's judicial custody, CBI nowhere close of filing chargesheet: Karti

Former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram was on Thursday sent to 14-day judicial custody in the INX Media case. Rouse Avenue Court sent the Congress leader to judicial custody till September 19.

Former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram was on Thursday sent to 14-day judicial custody in the INX Media case. Rouse Avenue Court sent the Congress leader to judicial custody till September 19. Chidambaram filed an application before Delhi court seeking a direction to ensure safe detention while in judicial custody. He also sought a direction for jail authorities to provide separate cell with adequate security. Meanwhile, Chidambaram's lawyers have moved an application in court stating that Chidambaram wants to surrender to Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the case. Court issued a notice to ED and sought its reply. Hearing to be held on September 12.

Congress leader P Chidambaram sent to 14-day judicial custody in INX Media case

Delhi Special Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-relief-for-chidambaram-as-supreme-court-rejects-bail-plea-247680">Finance Minister P Chidambaram</a> and his son Karti Chidambaram in both ED and CBI probe in the Aircel-Maxis case, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court turned down Chidambaram's bail plea in the INX media case stating that granting bail would affect the probe.

Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister.

KM Natraj, Additional Solicitor General, appearing for the ED and CBI in the Aircel-Maxis case, on Monday asserted that P Chidambaram, as finance minister, had granted approval beyond his capacity and benefited certain people and received kickbacks.

"These are serious economic offences which are a serious threat to the national economy and are white-collar crimes. As finance minister, he granted approval beyond his capacity, benefitted certain persons and received kickbacks," he told special CBI judge O P Saini.

O P Saini was hearing the petition filed by P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram seeking anticipatory bail in the case. The court reserved orders on the plea till September 5.

The case, which is being probed by the CBI and ED, relates to alleged irregularities in grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal.

The FIPB approval was allegedly granted in 2006 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

According to rules and foreign direct investment (FDI) policy of the Central government, Chidambaram was only empowered to give approval to proposals involving foreign investment up to Rs 600 crore.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Delhi Special Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to former Finance Minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in both ED and CBI probe in the Aircel-Maxis case, news agency ANI reported.

Delhi Special Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to former Finance Minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in both ED and CBI probe in the Aircel-Maxis case, news agency ANI reported. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court turned down Chidambaram's bail plea in the INX media case stating that granting bail would affect the probe. Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister. KM Natraj, Additional Solicitor General, appearing for the ED and CBI in the Aircel-Maxis case, on Monday asserted that P Chidambaram, as finance minister, had granted approval beyond his capacity and benefited certain people and received kickbacks. "These are serious economic offences which are a serious threat to the national economy and are white-collar crimes. As finance minister, he granted approval beyond his capacity, benefitted certain persons and received kickbacks," he told special CBI judge O P Saini. O P Saini was hearing the petition filed by P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram seeking anticipatory bail in the case. The court reserved orders on the plea till September 5. The case, which is being probed by the CBI and ED, relates to alleged irregularities in grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal. The FIPB approval was allegedly granted in 2006 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. According to rules and foreign direct investment (FDI) policy of the Central government, Chidambaram was only empowered to give approval to proposals involving foreign investment up to Rs 600 crore. (With inputs from ANI)

Aircel-Maxis case: Delhi court grants interim bail to Chidambaram, son Karti 

The Supreme Court on Thursday turned down former Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-maintains-status-quo-extends-chidambarams-cbi-custody-till-september-5-247380">P Chidambaram's bail plea</a> stating that granting bail would affect the probe in the INX media case.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered maintenance of status quo in the INX Media case and directed that the CBI custody of arrested Congress leader and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram be extended till September 5.

During proceedings, the counsel appearing for the investigating agency submitted before a bench of Justices R Banumathi and A S Bopanna that they do not want his custody, indicating that he should be sent to Tihar jail.

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Supreme Court says, “Granting anticipatory bail at the initial stage may frustrate the investigation....It’s not a fit case to grant anticipatory bail. Economic offences stand at different footing and it has to be dealt with different approach." <a href="https://t.co/L3j8ET8a6i">https://t.co/L3j8ET8a6i</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1169478239296704513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The bench was hearing the petition filed by the Congress leader challenging his CBI custody.

Chidambaram`s lawyers - Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi - told the court that they will not press the petition for interim bail in the trial court until the apex court passes the order on September 5.

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Supreme Court says P Chidambaram can move regular bail application before the trial court, for regular bail. <a href="https://t.co/3TaMYpzfxj">https://t.co/3TaMYpzfxj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1169480331516268544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After the Delhi High Court rejected Chidambaram's anticipatory bail plea on August 20, he was arrested and sent to the CBI's custody.&nbsp;

He has already been subjected to custodial interrogation by the agency for 12 days since then.

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After Supreme Court dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Congress leader P. Chidambaram being probed by ED in INX media case, he withdraws his appeal from the Court challenging trial court’s order of sending him to CBI custody. (File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/CEicgAXdC6">pic.twitter.com/CEicgAXdC6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1169491712856576000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister.

The ED is also seeking his custodial interrogation related to money laundering allegations. The Supreme Court, however, has granted him interim protection from arrest by the ED till September 5.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Thursday turned down former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's bail plea stating that granting bail would affect the probe in the INX media case.

The Supreme Court on Thursday turned down former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's bail plea stating that granting bail would affect the probe in the INX media case. The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered maintenance of status quo in the INX Media case and directed that the CBI custody of arrested Congress leader and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram be extended till September 5. During proceedings, the counsel appearing for the investigating agency submitted before a bench of Justices R Banumathi and A S Bopanna that they do not want his custody, indicating that he should be sent to Tihar jail. Supreme Court says, “Granting anticipatory bail at the initial stage may frustrate the investigation....It’s not a fit case to grant anticipatory bail. Economic offences stand at different footing and it has to be dealt with different approach." https://t.co/L3j8ET8a6i — ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2019 × The bench was hearing the petition filed by the Congress leader challenging his CBI custody. Chidambaram`s lawyers - Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi - told the court that they will not press the petition for interim bail in the trial court until the apex court passes the order on September 5. Supreme Court says P Chidambaram can move regular bail application before the trial court, for regular bail. https://t.co/3TaMYpzfxj — ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2019 × After the Delhi High Court rejected Chidambaram's anticipatory bail plea on August 20, he was arrested and sent to the CBI's custody. He has already been subjected to custodial interrogation by the agency for 12 days since then. After Supreme Court dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Congress leader P. Chidambaram being probed by ED in INX media case, he withdraws his appeal from the Court challenging trial court’s order of sending him to CBI custody. (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/CEicgAXdC6 — ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2019 × Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister. The ED is also seeking his custodial interrogation related to money laundering allegations. The Supreme Court, however, has granted him interim protection from arrest by the ED till September 5. (With inputs from ANI)

INX media case: No relief for Chidambaram as Supreme Court rejects bail plea

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered maintenance of status quo in the INX Media case and directed that the CBI custody of arrested Congress leader and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram be extended till September 5.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered maintenance of status quo in the INX Media case and directed that the CBI custody of arrested Congress leader and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram be extended till September 5. During proceedings, the counsel appearing for the investigating agency submitted before a bench of Justices R Banumathi and A S Bopanna that they do not want his custody, indicating that he should be sent to Tihar jail. The bench was hearing the petition filed by the Congress leader challenging his CBI custody. Chidambaram`s lawyers -- Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi -- told the court that they will not press the petition for interim bail in the trial court until the apex court passes the order on September 5. Chidambaram was sent to CBI custody by the trial court for one day, yesterday. After the Delhi High Court rejected Chidambaram`s anticipatory bail plea on August 20, he was arrested and sent to the CBI`s custody. He has already been subjected to custodial interrogation by the agency for 12 days since then. Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister. The ED is also seeking his custodial interrogation related to money laundering allegations. The Supreme Court, however, has granted him interim protection from arrest by the ED till September 5.

Supreme Court maintains status quo, extends Chidambaram's CBI custody till September 5

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over. In the meanwhile, its top leaders such as P Chidambaram and, now, Karnataka’s DK Shivakumar, are in serious legal trouble. The former, despite his formidable financial and political clout, not to speak of legendry legal acumen, has spent days in detention. More recently, Shivakumar is facing the heat from the Enforcement Directorate, with the Karnataka High Court refusing to grant him protection from arrest.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, Rahul Gandhi scored another self-goal. After his failed visit to Srinagar on August 24, when he was not allowed to leave the airport and forced to return politically empty-handed, Gandhi tweeted against the government for unleashing draconian measures and brute force on the people of our newest Union Territory. “Things in Jammu and Kashmir are going very wrong,” Gandhi said, “There are reports of violence. There are reports of people dying in Jammu and Kashmir.”&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, was quick to take advantage of Gandhi’s alarmist remarks, quite in consonance with its own strategy to internationalise the Kashmir issue. In her letter to officials of the United Nations, Mazari quoted Gandhi’s comment that people were dying in J&amp;K. Attacked by senior BJP ministers, Gandhi had to hastily beat a retreat by calling out Pakistan as a terror-sponsoring state on social media: “I disagree with this government on many issues,” he tweeted, “But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India’s internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it… There is violence in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.”&nbsp;

Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress communications chief, had to jump in to defend his former party president. Accusing Pakistan of mischievously trying to use Gandhi to peddle a “pack of lies”, he said, “Let no one in the world be in doubt that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and shall always remain integral parts of India. No amount of diabolical deception by Pakistan shall change this truth.” But the damage was done. Information and Broadcasting Minister and BJP political veteran, Prakash Javadekar accused Gandhi of helping Pakistan against India on the international stage. He rightly pointed out that Gandhi had been forced to make “a complete U-turn…due to circumstances and public pressure”. Earlier, during the 2019 election campaign, Gandhi had also failed to tarnish Modi’s incorruptible image with his “chowkidar chor hai” campaign.

It seems from all this that Jairam Ramesh certainly has a point. Demonising Narendra Modi isn’t helping the Congress. Rather, it shows the deep division, bordering on disarray, that afflicts India’s oldest political party. This was evident in the manner in which its high-profile and loquacious leader, three-times Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, was targeted by his own state leadership. Pulled up by the Kerala Congress president, Mullapally Ramachandran, he was issued a show-cause notice.&nbsp;

The “original sinner”, as a report dubbed him, was not Tharoor, but Ramesh. The latter’s comments at a book launch in the national capital were also supported by party spokesman and lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. But only Tharoor was targeted. It was the following remark that probably earned Tharoor his party’s ire: “As you know, I have argued for six years now that Narendra Modi should be praised whenever he says or does the right thing, which would add credibility to our criticism and whenever he errs. I welcome others in Opposition coming around to a view for which I was excoriated at the time.” Tharoor was forced to clarify that he was no admirer of Modi and the Kerala Congress had to be “satisfied” with his explanation. The party only earned itself some needless embarrassment and discomfiture in the process.

After the Modi Sarkar’s surgical strike against Article 370, several Congress leaders came out in support of the government. These included Jyotraditya Scindia, Deepender Hooda, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasada, in addition to the son of the former Maharaja of Kashmir and first regent of the state, Dr Karan Singh. Bhuvaneshwar Kalita, the Congress chief whip, went to the extent of resigning. With considerable difficulty, if not force, the CWC eventually passed a resolution opposing the government’s abrogation of Article 370’s key provisions. The Congress is now a divided house. Not only does it lack credible leadership, but a plan of action. As if this were not bad enough, it has also shown itself utterly unsuccessful in denting, leave alone destroying, Narendra Modi’s popularity and appeal.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-discomfiture-and-disarray-in-congress-2786246">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over.

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over. In the meanwhile, its top leaders such as P Chidambaram and, now, Karnataka’s DK Shivakumar, are in serious legal trouble. The former, despite his formidable financial and political clout, not to speak of legendry legal acumen, has spent days in detention. More recently, Shivakumar is facing the heat from the Enforcement Directorate, with the Karnataka High Court refusing to grant him protection from arrest. Earlier in the week, Rahul Gandhi scored another self-goal. After his failed visit to Srinagar on August 24, when he was not allowed to leave the airport and forced to return politically empty-handed, Gandhi tweeted against the government for unleashing draconian measures and brute force on the people of our newest Union Territory. “Things in Jammu and Kashmir are going very wrong,” Gandhi said, “There are reports of violence. There are reports of people dying in Jammu and Kashmir.” Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, was quick to take advantage of Gandhi’s alarmist remarks, quite in consonance with its own strategy to internationalise the Kashmir issue. In her letter to officials of the United Nations, Mazari quoted Gandhi’s comment that people were dying in J&K. Attacked by senior BJP ministers, Gandhi had to hastily beat a retreat by calling out Pakistan as a terror-sponsoring state on social media: “I disagree with this government on many issues,” he tweeted, “But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India’s internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it… There is violence in Jammu & Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.” Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress communications chief, had to jump in to defend his former party president. Accusing Pakistan of mischievously trying to use Gandhi to peddle a “pack of lies”, he said, “Let no one in the world be in doubt that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and shall always remain integral parts of India. No amount of diabolical deception by Pakistan shall change this truth.” But the damage was done. Information and Broadcasting Minister and BJP political veteran, Prakash Javadekar accused Gandhi of helping Pakistan against India on the international stage. He rightly pointed out that Gandhi had been forced to make “a complete U-turn…due to circumstances and public pressure”. Earlier, during the 2019 election campaign, Gandhi had also failed to tarnish Modi’s incorruptible image with his “chowkidar chor hai” campaign. It seems from all this that Jairam Ramesh certainly has a point. Demonising Narendra Modi isn’t helping the Congress. Rather, it shows the deep division, bordering on disarray, that afflicts India’s oldest political party. This was evident in the manner in which its high-profile and loquacious leader, three-times Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, was targeted by his own state leadership. Pulled up by the Kerala Congress president, Mullapally Ramachandran, he was issued a show-cause notice. The “original sinner”, as a report dubbed him, was not Tharoor, but Ramesh. The latter’s comments at a book launch in the national capital were also supported by party spokesman and lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. But only Tharoor was targeted. It was the following remark that probably earned Tharoor his party’s ire: “As you know, I have argued for six years now that Narendra Modi should be praised whenever he says or does the right thing, which would add credibility to our criticism and whenever he errs. I welcome others in Opposition coming around to a view for which I was excoriated at the time.” Tharoor was forced to clarify that he was no admirer of Modi and the Kerala Congress had to be “satisfied” with his explanation. The party only earned itself some needless embarrassment and discomfiture in the process. After the Modi Sarkar’s surgical strike against Article 370, several Congress leaders came out in support of the government. These included Jyotraditya Scindia, Deepender Hooda, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasada, in addition to the son of the former Maharaja of Kashmir and first regent of the state, Dr Karan Singh. Bhuvaneshwar Kalita, the Congress chief whip, went to the extent of resigning. With considerable difficulty, if not force, the CWC eventually passed a resolution opposing the government’s abrogation of Article 370’s key provisions. The Congress is now a divided house. Not only does it lack credible leadership, but a plan of action. As if this were not bad enough, it has also shown itself utterly unsuccessful in denting, leave alone destroying, Narendra Modi’s popularity and appeal. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Discomfiture and disarray in Congress

A special court will hear the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation`s arguments and submission in anticipatory bail plea moved by senior Congress leader and former union minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case on September 2.

Earlier, District Judge OP Saini has extended the interim protection from the arrest of father-son duo till September 3 and reserved its order on the anticipatory bail petition.

The court was irked by the agencies for seeking further adjournment in the case.

The court reserved the order on the pre-arrest bail after the two probe agencies had sought a fresh date to present their arguments.

Earlier on August 1, Kapil Sibal, while arguing for the anticipatory bail of the duo, had contended that the investigation in the case stands completed and that the charge sheet has also been filed by both the agencies.

"Karti was called for questioning eight times in 2018 and four times in 2019 by the ED, while his father has only been called once by the CBI in 2014. The agencies cannot say that my client has not cooperated with them," Sibal had said.

He had said that if later the agencies find a ground, they can move a cancellation application.

"How many times will they seek adjournment? They have no grounds to prove that my client has done anything wrong. The agencies are making allegations without producing anything," the counsel had said.

The case, which is being probed by the CBI and ED, relates to alleged irregularities in grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal.

The FIPB approval was allegedly granted in 2006 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

According to rules and foreign direct investment (FDI) policy of the Central government, Chidambaram was only empowered to give approval to proposals involving foreign investment up to Rs 600 crore.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A special court will hear the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation`s arguments and submission in anticipatory bail plea moved by senior Congress leader and former union minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case on September 2.

A special court will hear the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation`s arguments and submission in anticipatory bail plea moved by senior Congress leader and former union minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case on September 2. Earlier, District Judge OP Saini has extended the interim protection from the arrest of father-son duo till September 3 and reserved its order on the anticipatory bail petition. The court was irked by the agencies for seeking further adjournment in the case. The court reserved the order on the pre-arrest bail after the two probe agencies had sought a fresh date to present their arguments. Earlier on August 1, Kapil Sibal, while arguing for the anticipatory bail of the duo, had contended that the investigation in the case stands completed and that the charge sheet has also been filed by both the agencies. "Karti was called for questioning eight times in 2018 and four times in 2019 by the ED, while his father has only been called once by the CBI in 2014. The agencies cannot say that my client has not cooperated with them," Sibal had said. He had said that if later the agencies find a ground, they can move a cancellation application. "How many times will they seek adjournment? They have no grounds to prove that my client has done anything wrong. The agencies are making allegations without producing anything," the counsel had said. The case, which is being probed by the CBI and ED, relates to alleged irregularities in grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal. The FIPB approval was allegedly granted in 2006 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. According to rules and foreign direct investment (FDI) policy of the Central government, Chidambaram was only empowered to give approval to proposals involving foreign investment up to Rs 600 crore.

Special court to hear ED, CBI's argument on Chidambaram's bail plea on September 2

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday told the Supreme Court that custodial interrogation of senior Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-supreme-court-reserves-order-on-chidambarams-anticipatory-bail-plea-for-september-5-extends-interim-protection-from-ed-arrest-246406">P Chidambaram in the INX media case</a> is required as if his plea for anticipatory bail is given it would affect cases involving Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Zakir Naik.

Disputing the contention of Chidambaram's lawyers, the agency also argued that the offence of money laundering is against the society, nation and the economy.

"Money laundering is an offence against society, nation and economy. Economic offences are gravest offences irrespective of quantum of sentence," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the probe agency told a Bench of Justice R Banumathi and Justice AS Bopanna.

Countering the arguments of Chidambaram's advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi that Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) offences with seven years of punishment is not a grave offence because as per the Code of Criminal Procedure grave offences entail death penalty and life, Mehta said money laundering offences are "grave".

"Chidambaram's counsels have argued that gravity of an offence is subjective. PMLA offences may not be grave for them but the Courts have consistently held that economic offences are grave in nature. Gravity is a relative concept. Quantum of punishment is not relevant. What's important is what will be the impact of your offence in society. Money laundering is an offence against the society, nation and economy. Economic offences are gravest offences irrespective of quantum of sentence," Mehta said.

The top court was hearing Chidambaram's plea against Delhi High Court's order denying anticipatory bail to him in a case being probed by the ED.

Mehta also objected to the proposition made by Chidambaram's counsel Kapil Sibal to confront him with evidence before presenting it in the court, saying it is "absurd" and would have "devastating results" and is "preposterous".

Whether the accused's reply was evasive or not is decided by investigating agency and not by the court, he added.

He said the ED has been investigating various sensitive and high profile cases under PMLA and if Chidambaram's plea is accepted it would affect cases against Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi, Neerav Modi, Zakir Naik, Sarada chit fund, terror funding and other cases.

Mehta also contended that if accused at large is confronted with the evidence collected, then the agency will have exposed its evidence and witnesses and it will give a chance to the accused to tamper with evidence and erase the money trail.

"The investigating agency has absolute discretion to what extent to reveal the evidence to the accused. It is best to confront the accused with evidence when he is in custody," Mehta told the court, adding that investigation is an art where the agency brings the accused to divulge details and not a mere question and answer format or an interview.

During the hearing, Mehta said if given an anticipatory bail, Chidambaram may erase the money trail, influence the witnesses and tamper with evidence.

"It's impossible to investigate when he's armed with anticipatory bail. It's ED's right and duty to unearth the truth. It would be difficult for the ED to catch him if he is under a protective umbrella and best way to elicit truth is when an accused is not under a protective umbrella," he said.

He also argued that the top court cannot be created as a regular court of appeal of the orders of the high courts, lower courts, and magistrate courts.

The apex court is "meant to lay down the law", Mehta said during the course of the proceedings in the High Court, a note was filed and it was examined by the Judge, adding that in the judgment it is said twice that the records have been examined to arrive at the conclusion.

"We are showing a document of evidence and they are saying don't show it to court before showing it to me. I want the court to look the material in my possession, including the statement of the accused, I have nothing to hide. I would insist that Court must look into the material available so that there is no iota of doubt about the material is cogent or not," Mehta said while concluding his arguments and added that he has documents in a sealed cover if the top court wanted to see.

In 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance was given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday told the Supreme Court that custodial interrogation of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in the INX media case is required as if his plea for anticipatory bail is given it would affect cases involving Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Zakir Naik.

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday told the Supreme Court that custodial interrogation of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in the INX media case is required as if his plea for anticipatory bail is given it would affect cases involving Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Zakir Naik. Disputing the contention of Chidambaram's lawyers, the agency also argued that the offence of money laundering is against the society, nation and the economy. "Money laundering is an offence against society, nation and economy. Economic offences are gravest offences irrespective of quantum of sentence," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the probe agency told a Bench of Justice R Banumathi and Justice AS Bopanna. Countering the arguments of Chidambaram's advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi that Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) offences with seven years of punishment is not a grave offence because as per the Code of Criminal Procedure grave offences entail death penalty and life, Mehta said money laundering offences are "grave". "Chidambaram's counsels have argued that gravity of an offence is subjective. PMLA offences may not be grave for them but the Courts have consistently held that economic offences are grave in nature. Gravity is a relative concept. Quantum of punishment is not relevant. What's important is what will be the impact of your offence in society. Money laundering is an offence against the society, nation and economy. Economic offences are gravest offences irrespective of quantum of sentence," Mehta said. The top court was hearing Chidambaram's plea against Delhi High Court's order denying anticipatory bail to him in a case being probed by the ED. Mehta also objected to the proposition made by Chidambaram's counsel Kapil Sibal to confront him with evidence before presenting it in the court, saying it is "absurd" and would have "devastating results" and is "preposterous". Whether the accused's reply was evasive or not is decided by investigating agency and not by the court, he added. He said the ED has been investigating various sensitive and high profile cases under PMLA and if Chidambaram's plea is accepted it would affect cases against Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi, Neerav Modi, Zakir Naik, Sarada chit fund, terror funding and other cases. Mehta also contended that if accused at large is confronted with the evidence collected, then the agency will have exposed its evidence and witnesses and it will give a chance to the accused to tamper with evidence and erase the money trail. "The investigating agency has absolute discretion to what extent to reveal the evidence to the accused. It is best to confront the accused with evidence when he is in custody," Mehta told the court, adding that investigation is an art where the agency brings the accused to divulge details and not a mere question and answer format or an interview. During the hearing, Mehta said if given an anticipatory bail, Chidambaram may erase the money trail, influence the witnesses and tamper with evidence. "It's impossible to investigate when he's armed with anticipatory bail. It's ED's right and duty to unearth the truth. It would be difficult for the ED to catch him if he is under a protective umbrella and best way to elicit truth is when an accused is not under a protective umbrella," he said. He also argued that the top court cannot be created as a regular court of appeal of the orders of the high courts, lower courts, and magistrate courts. The apex court is "meant to lay down the law", Mehta said during the course of the proceedings in the High Court, a note was filed and it was examined by the Judge, adding that in the judgment it is said twice that the records have been examined to arrive at the conclusion. "We are showing a document of evidence and they are saying don't show it to court before showing it to me. I want the court to look the material in my possession, including the statement of the accused, I have nothing to hide. I would insist that Court must look into the material available so that there is no iota of doubt about the material is cogent or not," Mehta said while concluding his arguments and added that he has documents in a sealed cover if the top court wanted to see. In 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance was given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him.

Bail to Chidambaram will affect cases of Mallya, Choksi, Nirav Modi: Enforcement Directorate

Indrani Mukerjea, who recently turned approver in the INX Media case in which former Union finance minister P Chidambaram is an accused, on Thursday showed exuberance over latter's arrest.

"It is good news that P Chidambaram has been arrested," she told the media persons outside the Mumbai's Sessions Court, where she was produced in connection with the murder case of her daughter - Sheena Bora.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had earlier submitted that it has come across evidence in the form of conversations which only Indrani, the former head of INX Media, is privy to, which will help consolidate the case.

Chidambaram, who was arrested on August 21, will be in CBI custody till August 31 in a money laundering case filed by the agency in connection with the INX media scam.

In 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him.&nbsp;

Indrani Mukerjea, who recently turned approver in the INX Media case in which former Union finance minister P Chidambaram is an accused, on Thursday showed exuberance over latter's arrest.

Indrani Mukerjea, who recently turned approver in the INX Media case in which former Union finance minister P Chidambaram is an accused, on Thursday showed exuberance over latter's arrest. "It is good news that P Chidambaram has been arrested," she told the media persons outside the Mumbai's Sessions Court, where she was produced in connection with the murder case of her daughter - Sheena Bora. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had earlier submitted that it has come across evidence in the form of conversations which only Indrani, the former head of INX Media, is privy to, which will help consolidate the case. Chidambaram, who was arrested on August 21, will be in CBI custody till August 31 in a money laundering case filed by the agency in connection with the INX media scam. In 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him.

INX Media case: It is good news, Indrani Mukerjea on P Chidambaram's arrest

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Thursday apprised the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed against former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case.&nbsp;

"The money laundering case is very sensitive. We cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed. I request the court to examine the report given in sealed cover," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said in the court.&nbsp;

He said laundering was the global phenomenon, which affects the integrity and economy of a country.

"In the money laundering case, we would be dealing with very intelligent people, stupid men cannot do laundering. For the investigation, you have to go with information which can get among the offenders of laundering. These offences are not committed in heat of the moment, they are cleverly crafted. Most of the laundering is a digital operation," Mehta said.&nbsp;

He said that money laundering is "not like rape where forensics can collect bloodstains", adding that it becomes very difficult to unravel how actually money laundering took place.&nbsp;

Emphasising that the probe agency has a statutory right to arrest, "Whether custodial interrogation is necessary or not, it has to be decided by the Special Court. An arrest is done by people of higher rank, a Director, on the basis of materials we have in possession, recorded reasons, and after the accused must be informed about the reason of arrest."

The Solicitor General said the ED has the material in its possession against Chidambaram, which gives them the power to arrest.&nbsp;

"The ED received the material, like records from banks all over the world. In this case, the statute provides that probe report should be sent to neutral adjudicatory authority, in a sealed cover, to avoid investigating agency tampering with them. These are statutory checks and balances provided in Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002."

In 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him. The top court was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) moved by Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court order denying him anticipatory bail in the ED case.&nbsp;

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Thursday apprised the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed against former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Thursday apprised the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed against former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case. "The money laundering case is very sensitive. We cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed. I request the court to examine the report given in sealed cover," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said in the court. He said laundering was the global phenomenon, which affects the integrity and economy of a country. "In the money laundering case, we would be dealing with very intelligent people, stupid men cannot do laundering. For the investigation, you have to go with information which can get among the offenders of laundering. These offences are not committed in heat of the moment, they are cleverly crafted. Most of the laundering is a digital operation," Mehta said. He said that money laundering is "not like rape where forensics can collect bloodstains", adding that it becomes very difficult to unravel how actually money laundering took place. Emphasising that the probe agency has a statutory right to arrest, "Whether custodial interrogation is necessary or not, it has to be decided by the Special Court. An arrest is done by people of higher rank, a Director, on the basis of materials we have in possession, recorded reasons, and after the accused must be informed about the reason of arrest." The Solicitor General said the ED has the material in its possession against Chidambaram, which gives them the power to arrest. "The ED received the material, like records from banks all over the world. In this case, the statute provides that probe report should be sent to neutral adjudicatory authority, in a sealed cover, to avoid investigating agency tampering with them. These are statutory checks and balances provided in Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002." In 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him. The top court was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) moved by Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court order denying him anticipatory bail in the ED case.

ED can't share probe details till chargesheet is filed against Chidambaram in INX Media case: Solicitor General tells Supreme Court

Kapil Sibal, a counsel appearing for the senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-setback-for-p-chidambaram-sent-to-extended-cbi-custody-till-august-30-245759">Congress leader P Chidambaram</a>, on Tuesday moved an application in the Supreme Court seeking direction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to produce latter's statement recorded by it in the INX Media case.

The counsel sought the agency to produce the transcripts of the statement recorded by them on December 19, 2018, and January 1 and 21, 2019 before the apex court.

A bench of Justices R Banumathi and A S Bopanna was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) moved by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-supreme-court-dismisses-chidambarams-plea-against-cbi-arrest-245717">Chidambaram</a> against the Delhi High Court order denying him anticipatory bail in the money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The apex court will continue to hear tomorrow plea of P Chidambaram against Delhi High Court&nbsp;order dismissing his anticipatory plea.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court today again&nbsp;extended the protection from arrest granted to P Chidambaram in the ED case. The senior Congress leader who is already being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation had sought&nbsp;protection from arrest in the ED case.

The top court had yesterday also extended for one day the protection from arrest granted to Chidambaram in the ED case, which ended today.

A Special court had also extended the CBI remand of the Congress leader by four days in a corruption case filed by the CBI in INX media scam.

The agency had sought an extension contending that they have to "unravel the larger conspiracy".

In 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him.

Kapil Sibal, a counsel appearing for the senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, on Tuesday moved an application in the Supreme Court seeking direction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to produce latter's statement recorded by it in the INX Media case.

Kapil Sibal, a counsel appearing for the senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, on Tuesday moved an application in the Supreme Court seeking direction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to produce latter's statement recorded by it in the INX Media case. The counsel sought the agency to produce the transcripts of the statement recorded by them on December 19, 2018, and January 1 and 21, 2019 before the apex court. A bench of Justices R Banumathi and A S Bopanna was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) moved by Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court order denying him anticipatory bail in the money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The apex court will continue to hear tomorrow plea of P Chidambaram against Delhi High Court order dismissing his anticipatory plea. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court today again extended the protection from arrest granted to P Chidambaram in the ED case. The senior Congress leader who is already being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation had sought protection from arrest in the ED case. The top court had yesterday also extended for one day the protection from arrest granted to Chidambaram in the ED case, which ended today. A Special court had also extended the CBI remand of the Congress leader by four days in a corruption case filed by the CBI in INX media scam. The agency had sought an extension contending that they have to "unravel the larger conspiracy". In 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him.

INX Media case: P Chidambaram's counsel seeks transcripts of statement recorded by ED

CBI gets 5-day custody of P Chidambaram in the INX media case.

WION Gravitas: P Chidambaram will remain under arrest at least till august 26

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