New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted bail to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in the INX Media case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The apex court was hearing the former finance minister’s appeal against a previous Delhi High Court order which had dismissed his bail petition citing the fact Chidambaram may try to influence witnesses in the case, and use his influence to deter investigation.
On 28 November, the top court had reserved the order on the petition filed by former finance minister Chidambaram, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. A bench of justices R Banumathi, AS Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy pronounced the verdict at 10.30 am.
The Supreme Court had reserved the order after hearing lawyers appearing for Chidambaram and the ED. “We have heard the submission of counsels, judgment reserved,” the bench had said.
The apex court directed the Registry to accept three sets of sealed covers from the ED and keep them in safe custody for the perusal of the court.
The High Court had, on 15 November, dismissed his bail plea and observed that prima facie allegations against him were serious in nature and he played an “active and key role” in the offense.
Chidambaram sought bail in a case pertaining to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during his tenure as the finance minister.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered a corruption case in this regard in May, 2017. Later that year, the ED also lodged a money laundering case.
The Congress leader was first arrested by the CBI on 21 August in the INX Media corruption case but was granted bail by the Supreme Court two months later. He was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case on 16 October.
(Courtesy: PTI)
