The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed the case on May 15, 2017, accusing Karti Chidambaram of irregularities in a 2007 Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance that facilitated Rs 305 crore in overseas funding for INX Media. His father, P. Chidambaram, who was the Union Finance Minister at the time, is also named as an accused.
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has permitted Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, an accused in the INX Media case, to travel to Austria and the UK from January 4 to 12.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, in her December 17 order, noted that Chidambaram had never misused the court’s leniency in the past.
The court allowed the travel for attending company-related events in Vienna and visiting his daughter in the UK.
“The applicant has consistently sought prior permission to travel abroad, which was granted by both this court and the Supreme Court. He has never abused the liberty extended to him,”
observed the judge.
However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), represented by special public prosecutor NK Matta, opposed the application, expressing concerns about potential misuse of the liberty granted.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed the case on May 15, 2017, accusing Karti Chidambaram of irregularities in a 2007 Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance that facilitated Rs 305 crore in overseas funding for INX Media. His father, P. Chidambaram, who was the Union Finance Minister at the time, is also named as an accused.
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Earlier, Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram filed applications in four cases where he faces allegations of corruption and money laundering, linked to the Aircel-Maxis and INX Media scams under investigation by the CBI and ED.
The court granted him permission to travel abroad with conditions, requiring a security deposit of ₹1 crore via FDR or bank draft, submission of his travel itinerary, address, and contact details for his stay abroad to both the court and the investigating agencies. Additionally, he was directed to surrender his passport within 48 hours of returning to India.
The court cautioned him against tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses in any way.
Chidambaram sought permission citing his need to attend the ATP Mallorca Championships in Spain (June 25 to July 1), the Wimbledon Championships in London (July 3 to July 16), and business meetings. He also mentioned visiting his daughter, who resides and works in London.
The CBI and ED opposed his application, arguing that he might influence witnesses or tamper with evidence while overseas.
