The Delhi High Court on Monday called for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to present its position regarding the pleas filed by former Union Minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram. The Chidambarams have requested a deferral in the framing of charges in the ongoing INX Media case, citing ongoing investigations.
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri issued notices to the CBI, requesting a detailed response to the petitions submitted by the Chidambarams. The duo, represented by senior counsel Sidharth Luthra and advocate Akshat Gupta, are challenging a trial court’s decision not to postpone the arguments on charges against them. They argue that not all investigative materials have been disclosed to them, impacting their ability to prepare a defense.
During the court session, Luthra emphasized that the chargesheet provided by the CBI is incomplete, asserting that critical information collected during the investigation has yet to be shared with the accused. “You have been doing investigation since 2017. If you choose to be lackadaisical, should I proceed to argue on charge? It can’t be an unfair battle,” Luthra stated, highlighting the importance of a fair trial under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The CBI, however, represented by its counsel, contended that there is sufficient evidence to suggest a “demand of bribe” and that the process of framing charges should proceed without further delay. The agency’s case, initiated on May 15, 2017, involves alleged irregularities in Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media during P Chidambaram’s tenure as Finance Minister in 2007, involving overseas funds amounting to Rs 305 crore.
Karti’s separate plea pointed out the extended duration of the investigation, noting that over 17 years have passed since the alleged offense and nearly seven years since the investigation began. He argues that the ongoing delays in the investigation infringe upon his constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial.
The senior Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI on August 21, 2019, and later by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of money laundering related to the same case. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court in October 2019 for the CBI case and in December 2019 for the ED case. Karti was arrested in February 2018 and subsequently granted bail in March of the same year.
