INX Media Case: Karti Chidambaram Granted Bail by Delhi HC
Catch all the live updates on the INX Media case against Karti Chidambaram on The Quint.
Background of the INX Media Case
In 2007, INX Media, which was owned by Peter and Indrani Mukherjee, received a foreign investment of over Rs 300 crore. The firm needed clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).
The FIPB, in a meeting in May 2007, recommended the proposal of INX Media. The FIPB norms allowed INX to receive only 4.62 crore, but INX violated the conditions and raised foreign direct investments by issuing shares to foreign investors.
In February 2008, the Income Tax Department questioned the transaction which was not in compliance with the policies and procedures of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) laws of India. The FPBI had also sought clarification.
That is when, “to wriggle out of the situation without any punitive action, INX Media entered into a criminal conspiracy with Karti,” an FIR in the case read.
INX Media had tried “to get the issue resolved amicably by influencing public servants of FIPB unit of the Finance Ministry by virtue of his (Karti) relationship with the then Finance Minister (P Chidambaram).”
Karti allegedly had a hand in getting the FIPB to overlook illegalities on part of INX Media company. The CBI alleges that he received money from the company for influencing the approvals and to manipulate a tax probe.
P Chidambaram was then the Union finance minister and head of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) then.
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Patiala House Court Sends Karti to CBI Custody
The Patiala House Court, on 1 March, sent Karti Chidambaram to CBI custody till 6 March in the INX Media case.
Speaking after the court order on Thursday, Karti said, “I will be vindicated eventually”.
The court’s order came a day after Karti was arrested by the CBI at Chennai airport.
Karti Files Fresh Plea
The Supreme Court will hear a fresh plea from Karti Chidambaram on Tuesday, 6 March, seeking quashing of the Enforcement Directorate’s summons against him in the INX Media case.
In a fresh writ petition, Karti, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, challenged the ED’s summons on the ground that the agency has no jurisdiction to issue such notices based on the first information report lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The plea was mentioned on Monday, 5 March, by his counsel before a bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud. The apex court is also likely to hear the anticipatory bail plea of Karti who is presently in CBI custody in connection with the case.
Kapil Sibal Demands Interim Relief For Karti
Congress leader and senior Supreme Court lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for Karti Chidambaram in the INX Media case, pleaded to the Supreme Court for an interim relief, ANI reported.
No Interim Relief For Karti
The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, 6 March, refused to grant interim relief to Karti Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case, and posted the issue for hearing to 8 March.
The apex court sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Karti’s petition on violation of his constitutional rights.
CBI to Seek Extension of Karti's Custody
The CBI tells Supreme Court it will seek extension of Karti Chidambaram's custody before the trial court in the INX Media corruption case on Tuesday, 6 March.
CBI had reiterated in the last hearing that Karti was uncooperative.
P Chidambaram Reaches Patiala House Court
Senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram arrived at Delhi’s Patiala House Court for the hearing in the alleged INX Media graft case.
Karti’s mother, Nalini Chidambaram, also arrived for the hearing.
Karti Chidambaram Arrives in Court
Karti Chidambaram arrived in New Delhi’s Patiala House Court for hearing in the INX Media money laundering case. The CBI is seeking extension of his custody.
CBI Seeks 9-Day Custody
The CBI moved an application seeking extension of remand for Karti Chidambaram by nine days.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Karti’s counsel, argues that the CBI's application for further remand doesn't include any further reasoning.
Hearing Adjourned Till 2pm
The CBI court will hear the agency’s demand seeking further custody of Karti at 2 pm.
Hearing Resumes
The hearing in the INX Media case resumed with Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta, who is representing the CBI, saying they have made substantial progress in the case.
The ASG further reiterated that Karti Chidambaram has not been cooperating.
Karti's Lawyer Says CBI Trying to Keep Him in Custody
Karti Chidambaram’s counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the court that there has been a malafide attempt by the CBI to keep his client in custody, with continuously "shifting sands" of reasons. He also argued that Indrani Mukherjea's statement cannot even be admissible in court as confessions while in police custody are inadmissible under the Evidence Act.
"Unless and until your Lordship is given a strong reason for additional custody, that without custody the accused can't be questioned, the liberty of the accused should be provided," Singhvi said concluding his arguments.
Mehta 'Upset' by Singhvi's Accusations Against CBI
ASG Tushar Mehta was upset by Singhvi’s accusations against the CBI. Singhvi said that the CBI has a "thirst for blood" when it comes to keeping Karti in custody.
"We are not arguing in the air, we are a responsible investigating agency," Tushar Mehta said in response.
Order Awaited
The Patiala House Court will deliver the judgment on the plea at 4:30 pm today.
CBI Has No Reason to Hold Karti: Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Reacting to the CBI demanding Karti Chidambaram’s custody to be extended for nine days, Abhishek Manu Singvi, lawyer representing Karti Chidambaram argued that the CBI has not given a single ground or written a single reason in its application for further remand.
He also said that Karti only had a 25-minute long confrontation with Indrani Mukerjea and around two hours long interrogation in last five days and there is no need of further custody.
Karti's Custody Essential For Investigation, Says CBI
The CBI, in its request to extend the custody of Karti Chidambaram, said that his presence was essential for a fair and complete investigation.
Karti’s Custody Extended Till 9 March
The Patiala House Court has extended Karti Chidambaram’s custody till Friday, 9 March. The next hearing has been scheduled for Friday at 2 pm.
The CBI had sought extension of custody by 9 days. The court, however, has extended it for only three days.
Congress Cries Vendetta After Extension of Karti's CBI Custody
Reacting to the Patiala House Court’s order of extension of the CBI custody of Karti Chidambaram, Congress leader Anand Sharma said that this was a political vendetta and that the BJP government does not believe in any institutions, reported Times Now.
Congress supporter Tehseen Poonawalla tweeted that if Karti is supposed to be imprisoned, then the babus he allegedly influenced should also be arrested.
Karti’s CBI custody has been extended till Friday, 9 March.
Custody Necessary To Complete Investigation: Court
The Patiala House Court on Friday, 6 March, said that the extension of the custody of Karti Chidambaram was necessary for completion of the investigation.
The court said that the decision was made taking into consideration the arguments of all relevant parties.
A few highlights of the court’s order:
- According to Counsel for CBI, Tushar Mehta, Karti remained evasive of the questions asked to him during an interrogation with Indrani Mukerjea.
- There is new evidence that has come to light in the case, other than the evidence relating to Mukerjea, said Mehta.
- He also said that Karti has been refusing to co-operate with the investigation during his previous custody
- The court said that looking at the facts of the case and the evidence, the custody can be granted for further investigation, and interrogation of the accused.
- The custody is being granted to ensure continuity and to speed up the investigation to secure the evidence and to arrive at the truth.
ED Records Vir Sanghvi's Statement
Senior journalist Vir Sanghvi's statement was recorded by the ED in the INX media case, according to sources. Confirming this development to The Quint, Sanghvi said he recorded his statement in January 2018, but claimed to be playing the role of a "whistleblower" in this case.
Sanghvi denied that he facilitated the meeting between Karti Chidambaram and Indrani and Peter Mukerjea.
On Tuesday, Sanghvi responded to a tweet claiming that he had complained about financial impropriety at INX Media. He said that he was the one who called for an official inquiry after quitting the group's English news channel, NewsX, in January 2008. He also said that the alleged illegal gratification to Karti from INX took place months after he had left the media channel.
Approach Delhi High Court For Interim Relief: SC
The Supreme Court, which denied interim protection to Karti Chidambaram from arrest by the ED, asked him to approach the Delhi High Court in the INX Media money laundering case.
The apex court also requested the acting chief justice to allocate the matter to an appropriate bench, PTI reported.
Delhi High Court to Hear Karti's Plea Against ED
The Delhi High Court will hear Karti Chidambaram’s plea on Friday, 9 March, seeking quashing of summons issued by the ED in the INX Media money laundering case.
The division bench of Justice S Muralidhar and Justice IS Mehta will hear the case of Karti, who is currently in custody of the CBI.
The move came after the Supreme Court on Thursday permitted Karti to withdraw his petition challenging the issuance of summons by the ED, and approach the Delhi High Court.
Karti Chidambaram Moves Delhi HC For Interim Relief
After Supreme Court's directions, Karti Chidambaram moves Delhi High Court seeking interim relief from the ED's action against him in the INX Media case.
CBI Seeks Further Extension of Karti's Custody
The INX Media court proceedings involving Karti Chidambaram will take place simultaneously at the Delhi High Court and the Patiala House Court.
As his CBI custody ends on Friday, 9 March, the probe agency is seeking further extension at the Patiala House Court. The hearing will resume at 2 pm.
ED Can't Arrest Karti If He Gets Bail: Delhi HC
Delhi High Court barred the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from arresting Karti Chidambaram on Friday, 9 March, if he secures bail from the CBI in the Patiala House Court.
After granting interim protection to Karti, the High Court also issued a notice to the ED and the Centre.
The relief is granted till the next date of hearing in Delhi High Court, which is 20 March.
Delhi Patiala House Court Reserves Order till 4:30 PM
Delhi's Patiala House Court reserves order till 4.30 pm on further remand application of Karti Chidambaram.
CBI Seeks Custody of Karti's CA
The CBI has moved a plea seeking custody of Karti Chidambaram's chartered accountant, S Bhaskararaman, for a confrontation between the two.
The investigation agency has also filed another application seeking permission to produce Indrani and Peter Mukerjea for confrontation and for identification of some locations in Delhi.
CBI Granted Custody Till 12 March
The Patiala House Court has extended CBI’s custody of Karti Chidambaram till 12 March.
The court also allowed the CBI application seeking permission to confront Karti with his chartered accountant Bhaskaraman in Tihar jail.
Speaking to The Quint, a spokesperson for the CBI said:
CBI to Produce Karti at 12 pm
The CBI will produce Karti Chidambaram at 12 pm before the Patiala House Court in New Delhi, on Monday, 12 March. The agency is expected to seek an extension of its custody as the three-day period ends.
Karti Reaches Patiala House Court
CBI Moves Application Seeking Judicial Custody
The CBI moves an application in the Patiala House Court seeking 15-day judicial custody against Karti Chidamabaram in the INX Media money laundering case.
The CBI in the court, said:
Karti Seeks Separate Cell
Karti Chidamabaram has reportedly sought a separate cell in the Tihar jail, after the CBI moved an application for judicial custody. His lawyer has also moved for bail, reports said.
Karti Sent to Judicial Custody Till 24 March
Karti Chidambaram has been sent to judicial custody till 24 March by the Patiala House Court.
The court directs jail authorities to provide adequate security to Karti as per the law. He has also been denied home-cooked food.
Karti Chidambaram Moves Delhi HC Seeking Bail
Karti Chidambaram on Monday, 12 March moved the Delhi High Court seeking bail, hours after a court sent him to judicial custody till 24 March.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said the matter would be heard on 13 March by an appropriate bench, after senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, moved the court seeking bail.
Struggling to Lose Weight? Call the CBI, Says Karti
In a statement to NDTV, Karti Chidambaram recommended a call to the CBI for anyone struggling with their weight.
While, making the remark in humour, Chidambaram added that he had no complaints about the CBI officials, who he says treated him in a "most professional” manner.
Karti's Bail Plea in Delhi HC Referred to Larger Bench, ED Moves SC Against HC Order Restraining Arrest
The Enforcement Directorate has moved the Supreme Court to hear an application restraining the ED from Karti Chidambaram till 20 March. The ED’s application challenges a Delhi High Court order on pre-arrest bail for Karti Chidambaram.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the ED’s application on 15 March.
Meanwhile, Karti Chidambaram was produced in the Delhi High Court for the hearing of his bail application.
Justice Indermeet Kaur, however, referred the hearing of the plea to a larger bench.
Justice SP Garg to Hear Karti's Bail Plea in Delhi High Court
Bar and Bench reported that Justice SP Garg will hear Karti Chidambaram’s bail application, after Justice Indermeet Kaur recused herself from hearing the case earlier in the day on 13 March.
Delhi High Court Grants Bail to Karti Chidambaram’s Chartered Accountant
The Delhi High court granted bail to Karti Chidambaram’s Chartered Accountant, S Bhaskararaman, in the INX Media case on 13 March. Times Now reported that bail was granted to Bhaskararaman on furnishing a bond of Rs 2 lakh.
Delhi High Court Asks CBI to Reply to Karti's Bail Plea by 16 March
The Delhi High Court has also asked the CBI to file a status report and reply to Karti Chidambaram’s bail application on 16 March. The High Court issued the directive while hearing Karti’s bail application on 13 march.
Delhi High Court Extend Relief for Till 26 March
The Supreme Court, on 15 March, extended the interim relief from arrest granted by the Delhi High Court to Karti Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case till 26 March and said it would clear the "confusion" which has crept in due to divergent views of different high courts on ED's power to arrest.
The apex court also transferred to itself the matters pending before the Delhi High Court relating to the power of Enforcement Directorate (ED) to arrest in money laundering cases and also a plea filed by Karti seeking protection from arrest in ED's case.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the top court would answer the question about interpretation of section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) relating to ED's power to arrest and also deal with the issue whether high courts can grant protection from arrest in a plea under Article 226 of the Constitution which deals with the High Court's power to issue writs and orders.
When the apex court was informed that the Delhi High Court has extended till 22 March the interim protection from arrest to Karti in the money laundering case, the bench said it would transfer to itself the matters pending there and hear the arguments on 26 March.
Delhi HC Reserves Order
The Delhi High Court on Friday, 16 March reserved its order on the bail plea of Karti Chidambaram in the INX Media corruption case lodged by the CBI.
Justice S P Garg heard the CBI and Karti's lawyer – and reserved his decision.
The CBI opposed the bail plea saying that tampering of evidence and influencing witnesses in the case was a possibility. The agency also alleged that Karti has tampered with certain evidence.
Karti had moved the HC after special CBI judge had not given him an urgent hearing on his bail plea.
Delhi HC to Pronounce Order on Bail Plea
The Delhi High Court is expected to pronounce its decision on the bail plea of Karti Chidambaram. The order is likely to be delivered by Justice S P Garg who had reserved his verdict on March 16 after hearing arguments on behalf of Karti and the CBI which had opposed grant of the relief to him.
The agency had contended that he should not be granted bail as he has already destroyed evidence in the case and was an "influential" person.
Karti's counsel had argued that no case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was made out against him since the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had neither questioned any public servant, nor made them an accused in the matter.
Karti's lawyers had denied allegations of tampering with evidence and added that when the CBI had not sought his further custodial interrogation, why should he be kept in judicial custody.
They had also said that no one else has been arrested in the case and what the CBI has done is to put Karti behind bars.
Karti Chidambaram Granted Bail by Delhi HC
Karti Chidambaram was granted bail by the Delhi High Court in the INX Media corruption case on Friday, 23 March.
Karti Chidambaram was granted bail by the Delhi HC on a surety of Rs 10 lakh and on the conditions that he will seek prior permission of the CBI if he wants to leave country.
His lawyers had earlier told the court that his passport is already deposited with the authorities, reported PTI.
Among other conditions imposed on Karti were that he cannot not influence witnesses or close bank accounts, as the court stated that he should not tamper with any evidence in the case while out on bail.
Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, was granted bail by the Delhi High Court in the INX Media corruption case on Friday, 23 March.
- Karti Chidambaram was granted bail by Delhi HC on a surety of Rs 10 lakh and on the conditions that he will seek prior permission of the CBI if he wants to leave country
- On 15 March, the Supreme Court had extended protection to Karti Chidambaram from arrest till 26 March
- The former finance minister’s son was arrested by the CBI at the Chennai Airport on 28 February
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