SC To Hear Chidambaram’s Plea Against Delhi High Court Order

On the 21st of August, a day after the Delhi High Court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of P. Chidambaram, the former Finance Minister of India, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided his house to arrest him.

The Delhi High Court, on the 20th of August, rejected the anticipatory bail appeal of P. Chidambaram.  He appealed for anticipatory bail in relation to the INX Media case.

P. Chidambaram is accused of money laundering and irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) funds released to INX Media.

In 2007, P. Chidambaram allegedly approved an investment of Rs. 300 crores to a foreign media company, INX Media.

On the 20th of August, the ED issued a notice to Chidambaram to appear before the investigating agencies within two hours.  The notice read, “Whereas it appears that you are acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case noted below, which I am now investigating under Chapter XII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, you are hereby directed to attend before me within two hours of the receipt of this notice for the purpose of investigation of case.”

When Chidambaram did not appear, the ED officials left for his house to arrest him, but the Indian National Congress (INC) leader was not at his residence.

On the other hand, the lawyer of Chidambaram asked the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) not to take any action against P. Chidambaram until the Supreme Court (SC) hearing.

The ED and the CBI are investigating the case since 2015.  The two agencies opposed the bail plea of Mr. Chidambaram, stating he is trying to evade the interrogation of the agencies and is giving false answers.

The Supreme Court (SC) will review the petition filed by Kapil Sibal, Salman Khurshid and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the lawyers of Mr. Chidambaram, which demands protection from arrest.

The lawyers of Chidambaram approached the senior most judges of the SC and filed a petition against the orders of the Delhi High Court, which rejected the anticipatory bail of Chidambaram.

The main focus of the legal team of Chidambaram would be to save him from arrest.  To justify their demand, the lawyers’ team is expected to highlight Chidambaram’s record of responding to all summonses.

The SC will review the petition on the 21st of August, following which, it will be decided whether Chidambaram will be arrested or will get protection from it.

Stay tuned for further updates.