In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking its response on the plea of Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. The plea requests the deferral of framing charges against him in two high-profile cases.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja presided over the matter and directed the trial court to postpone the arguments on the charge until a day after May 29. The decision was made following Karti Chidambaram’s argument that the charges should not be framed until the underlying CBI cases—the alleged Chinese visa and Aircel Maxis cases—are resolved.
“In my view, the matter requires consideration,” stated Justice Dudeja as he issued the notice and asked for a reply within four weeks, scheduling the next hearing for May 29, 2025.
The court emphasized that the existence of a scheduled offence and the proceeds of crime derived from criminal activity are essential not only for initiating but also for continuing prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
During the proceedings on April 9, the court heard arguments from both sides. The ED’s counsel argued, referencing Supreme Court decisions, that the offence under PMLA is independent and that trial should not be stalled unless the accused is conclusively cleared in the predicate offence.
Karti Chidambaram’s plea challenges the March 28 orders of the trial court that dismissed his applications for deferment of arguments on the charges. His counsel clarified that the request was not for a stay on the ongoing trial but solely about the charges, emphasizing the importance of timing as the trial court was set to consider the matter on April 15.
Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra represented Karti Chidambaram, arguing that the foundation of the ED’s cases was questionable. He pointed out that if an individual is discharged, acquitted, or succeeds in quashing the predicate offence, then proceeding with the money laundering charges becomes untenable.
“The gravamen of the case is part of the investigation in the alleged predicate offence and must be proven in that prosecution. Without this, there can be no foundation for any money laundering offence,” the plea noted.
This case has drawn significant attention, as it involves alleged irregularities dating back to when Karti’s father, P Chidambaram, held key ministerial positions in the Union Government. The ED has accused the senior Chidambaram of misusing his office in granting approvals that were beyond his capacity, allegedly to benefit certain entities and receive kickbacks.
