India

Chidambaram Challenges ED Chargesheet In Aircel-Maxis Case

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has challenged a special court’s decision to take cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet against him and his son, Karti Chidambaram, in the Aircel-Maxis case. The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, adjourned the next hearing to November 20. The special court is also scheduled to hear the case on the same day.

Chidambaram’s lawyer argued that the special court ignored the mandatory approval from the concerned authority before prosecuting him, as he was a public servant at the time. The ED’s lawyer countered, claiming that no such approval was needed since the charges were unrelated to Chidambaram’s official duties.

Approval Debate in Aircel-Maxis Case

The High Court sought clarification on whether approval for prosecution was obtained. The investigating agencies stated it was unnecessary. The ED’s counsel argued that even if approval were required, the absence of it is a rectifiable issue. However, senior advocate N Hariharan, representing Chidambaram, maintained that obtaining approval is legally mandatory.

Allegations of Irregularities in FIPB Approval

The Aircel-Maxis case involves alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval granted in 2006. Chidambaram, then the Union Finance Minister, is accused of exceeding his jurisdiction to approve the deal, benefiting specific individuals and facilitating bribes. The special court had previously taken cognizance of chargesheets filed by both the CBI and ED on November 27, 2021.

Chidambaram has sought an interim stay on proceedings in the special court until the High Court concludes its hearing.

Also Read: Delhi HC Directs Government To Create Action Plan For Bomb Threats In Schools

Gopal Krishna

Recent Posts

Gautam Adani Hails Puri Lifeguards As Unsung Heroes During Rath Yatra Visit

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, visited Puri in Odisha during the annual Rath…

32 mins ago

Acharya Pramod Krishnam Slams Congress Over ‘Internal Emergency’ Allegation

Acharya Pramod Krishnam, stirred political debate by claiming an 'internal emergency' still exists within the…

51 mins ago

MRM Meeting: Pledge for Global Peace, Green India, De-addiction & Democratic Integrity

Taking a crucial step toward positive transformation, social reform, and global peace, the Muslim Rashtriya…

57 mins ago

India To Host 2029 World Police & Fire Games; Amit Shah Hails Global Recognition

India has been chosen to host the prestigious 2029 World Police and Fire Games in…

1 hour ago

Seeing The Lord Among Devotees Is The Pinnacle Of Humility: Gautam Adani At Rath Yatra

Gautam Adani, along with his wife and Karan, participated in the Rath Yatra in Puri,…

4 hours ago

PM Modi Interacts With Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard The ISS

PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the…

5 hours ago