INX Media case LIVE | Chidambaram sent to Tihar jail for 14 days

A Delhi court on Thursday sent former finance minister P Chidambaram to Tihar jail in the INX Media corruption case. Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar sent Chidambaram to 14-days judicial custody till September 19.P Chidambaram was produced before the court where his counsel Kapil Sibal opposed the plea for judicial custody put forth by the CBI and instead offered that he be taken into ED custody. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court, after rejecting P Chidambaram's anticipatory bail plea, had allowed him to withdraw plea challenging the order of the Special CBI Judge remanding him to CBI custody in INX Media case. Stay tuned for more updates.

P Chidambaram will be kept in Jail number 7 and in a separate cell: Tihar Jail DG

Director-General of Tihar Prison Sandeep Goel said thatP Chidambaram will be kept in Jail number7 and in a separate cell. Roti, dal and subzi will be given to him and the other things like western toiletwhich the Court asked will be provided.

Hope to have my father back home very quickly, know what has to be done through legal process: Karti Chidambaram

"This is a process which we are well aware of. I've gone through the same thing last year. We'll go through this process and I hope to have my father back home very quickly. I know what has to be done through the legal process," said Karti Chidambaram, speaking with media after the order.

"This is how it works out, unfortunately, after police custody for investigation, this sort of judicial custody follows," he added.

Those with the power of truth have the strength to fight any injustice, tweeted the Indian National Congress.

Chidambaram sent to Tihar jail in INX Media corruption case

Veteran Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram was sent to Tihar jail Thursday by a Delhi court where he will spend 14 days in judicial custody in connection with the INX Media corruption case. Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar sent him to judicial custody till September 19.

The court allowed him to carry his medicines to jail and directed that he be kept in a separate cell in Tihar prison as he was a protectee under Z-security. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured that there will be adequate security for Chidambaram in the jail.

The court also issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate on Chidambaram's plea seeking to surrender in the money laundering case lodged by the agency in which the Supreme Court Thursday dismissed his plea against the August 20 order of the Delhi High Court denying him pre-arrest bail.

PTI

Application for surrender in ED case will be taken up for hearing on Sept 12

P Chidambaram moveda surrender application in the ED case and withdrew his application for interim bail following the Delhi court's order stating his judicial custody.

Court has issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate and sought a reply. The application for surrender in the ED case will be taken up for hearing on Sept 12.

Court allows Chidambaram's plea for a separate cell with a cot and a western toilet.

P Chidambaram moves a plea for a separate cell along with Z security inside Tihar jail following the Delhi court's order that sent him to judicial custody till September 19 in the INX Media case.

Judicial custody for Chidambaram till Sept 19

CBI says Chidambaram be sent to judicial custody

Former finance minister P Chidambaram was produced before a Delhi court on Thursday after the expiry of his 15-day CBI custody in the INX Media corruption case and the agency said that he be sent to judicial custody.

He was brought to the special court hours after he withdrew his petition challenging the non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against him following which he was sent to the CBI custody.

Chidambaram's 15-day CBI custody, ordered by the special court in five spells, which started after his arrest on August 21 night, ends today.

Read story here

Court reserves order on P Chidambaram's bail plea and the CBI's plea to send him to judicial custody

Whole case based on documentary evidence: Sibal

Sibal argued that the whole case wasbased on documentary evidence. He went on to ask if the agency hadany evidence to suggest that the accused had ever tampered with any evidence.

Mehta statedthatSibal should clarify if he was arguing for bail or custody by the ED.

A case of economic offence with only two options -- police custody or judicial remand: SG Mehta

Mehta said that theED has sought information from several countries, which couldget affected if the accused wasout on bail.

He said that this wasa case of economic offence where there were only two options -- either police custody or judicial remand.

If released on bail, he can tamper with evidence: SG Tushar Mehta

When Sibal saidthat the CBI hadto inform why itwants to send P Chidambaram to judicial custody, SG Tushar Mehta stated thatthe case of money laundering was aseparate one. If the accused wasreleased on bail, he couldtamper with the evidence.

CBI moves plea for judicial custody at the end of Chidambaram's 15-day custodial interrogation.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has moved a plea for P Chidambaram's judicial custody as his 15-daycustodial interrogation comes to an end.

ED can take Chidambaram into custody: Senior advocate Sibal appearing for P Chidambaram

Offering the Delhi court Chidambaram's ED custody, senior advocate Kapil Sibal urged the court not to send Chidambaram to jail into judicial custody in the INX Media Case.

Sibal added that the EDwantedto harass P Chidambaram by sending him to judicial custody.

PC withdraws appeal

The Supreme Courtallowed former union minister P Chidambaram to withdraw his plea against non-bailable warrant and remand orders of the trial court in the INX Media corruption case lodged by the CBI.

A bench of Justices R Banumathi and A S Bopanna passed the order after senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Chidambaram, said they have decided to unconditionally withdraw the petition.

PTI

Congress spokesperson calls the functioning of ED and CBI, a 'vendetta'

Congress spokesperson, Abhishek Singhvi tweeted, "The current scenario on the functioning of ED & CBI reminds me of the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner- vendetta, vendetta everywhere not a drop of grace."

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Chidambaram can move regular bail application before trial court: SC

Supreme Court says P Chidambaram can move regular bail application before the trial court, for regular bail. SC further rejected Chidambaram's application for direction to ED to produce transcripts of his questioning by an agency on 3 dates.

Not a fit case to grant anticipatory bail plea: SC

Supreme Court said, “Granting anticipatory bail at the initial stage may frustrate the investigation. It’s not a fit case to grant anticipatory bail. Economic offences stand at the different footing and it has to be dealt with a different approach.

Chidambaram faces ED arrest as SC rejects bail plea

Supreme Court rejects an appeal of Congress leader P Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court’s order rejecting his anticipatory bail plea in a case being probed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in INX Media case.

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SC verdict on Chidambaram plea in INX Media case today

The Supreme Court will decide the fate ofCongress veteran P Chidambaram as on September 5 it will pronounce verdict on his plea challenging the Delhi High Court's verdict denying him anticipatory bail plea in the INX Media money laundering case lodged by the ED.

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SC extends interim protection to PC

Supreme Court extends interim protection granted to senior advocate P Chidambaram from arrest in a case being probed by Enforcement Directorate. SC to continue to hear tomorrow plea of P Chidambaram against Delhi HC order dismissing his anticipatory plea.

Chidambaram seeks transcript of his interrogation by ED in INX Media money laundering case

Senior Congress leader and former finance minister PChidambaramsought in the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate be asked to produce thetranscriptsofhisinterrogationit had conducted on three dates in theINXMediamoneylaunderingcase.

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Singhvi says that the order of the Delhi High Court is based on the distorted idea of evasion

Abhishek Manu Singhvi tells SC, "The alleged acts took place prior to the amendment of the PMLA which was notified in 2009. The alleged acts which were declared as offences as under PMLA amendment took place in 2007-08."

He said that theADM Jabalpuris a case from the time when Fundamental rights were suspended, Emergency was proclaimed and the judgment is generally considered bad law for taking an extreme view on curtailing liberties.

He argued saying, "Articles 20 and 21 are non-waivable. These are non-derogable rights. Even in times of war and emergency, all rights can be suspended but not Articles 20 and 21."

He told the SC, "Aperson is being painted as a Kingpin of an alleged offence which did not exist as an offence at the time it was committed."

Can't place documents in court randomly: PC's counsel

Chidambaram's counsel tells SC that ED can't place documents in court randomly, "behind the back" to seek custody of accused.

The application for production of transcript concerns the questioning of P Chidambaram that took place on December 29, 2018, and January 21, 2019, Sibal informs the Court

CBI Court reserves order on Chidambaram's remand

CBI likely to seek extension

The CBI is likely to seek an extension of Congress leader P Chidambaram's custody by 5 days. (ANI)

Earlier protection granted from arrest shall continue: SC

P Chidambaram brought to Rouse Avenue Court from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters.

Supreme Court says earlier protection granted from arrest to Congress leader P Chidambaram in ED case shall continue till tomorrow. SC to continue hearing arguments on anticipatory bail plea of P Chidambaram tomorrow.

P Chidambaram being taken to Rouse Avenue Court

P Chidambaram being taken to Rouse Avenue Court from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters.

Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan and Advocate PK Dubey already in Court.

Delhi HC rejected Chidambaram's bail plea

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed Chidambaram'santicipatory bail plea in the INX Media case,saying it was a “classic case of money laundering” where the petitioner acted as the “kingpin”, being at the helm of affairs as the Union finance minister.

How does any Court come to a conclusion that this requires my custodial interrogation? - Sibal

Kapil Sibal said, "There is also another serious issue that why was the order reserved for seven month? It took him (Justice Sunil Gaur of the HC) 7 months to decide that there was gravity in the matter."

"They (investigating agencies) are saying that they have cogent evidence against the petitioner and at the same time they say that evidence is yet to be unearthed. Then what is this cogent evidence then?" he said.

These are the procedural issues that need to be addressed: Sibal

"The Judge says the petitioner is the "kingpin". On what grounds is he saying this," Sibal asks.

"That is exactly my objection that while he (SG) can put whatever he wishes before the Court but it should be put before me first. These are the procedural issues that need to be addressed in a case which involves personal liberty," Sibal said.

SG Tushar Mehta requests to take a look at the note Sibal has been referring to.

"We have not filed this note. We have placed case diaries", Mehta says after seeing the note.

Sibal says in the Court, "Paragraphs in HC judgement were verbatim copy of CBI/ ED note, comma by comma, full stop by full stop, word by word, sentence by sentence, the chart. Their note become findings of the court. Where is the application of mind by the judge?"

On the Delhi High Court, Sibal says "What is the application of mind of the Judge when certain paragraphs are a word for word, comma for comma copy of the note submitted by the SG?"

SG Tushar Mehta intervenes, "I don't know where they got this note from. It was not in record"

Sibal responds to SG saying, "You have not even denied the note."

WhenJustice Banumathi asked if there was a counter not, Sibal replied in negative.

"These are not documents, these are conclusions. How can a decision of the High Court be based on such conclusions?"Sibal said referring to the note.

Congress lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi arrives at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court for P Chidambaram's bail hearing.

Great ignominy and humiliation is attached to the arrest: Sibal

Kapil Sibal in Supreme Court said, "Great ignominy and humiliation is attached to an arrest. The moment someone is arrested, you destroy that man. You make believe that the man js guilty. That is what is happening here."

"If something is found after probing documents, it should be put before the accused for him to give an explanation. Here it's a one way street where documents are produced in Court but not put before accused," said Sibal.

First probe, find out and then seek custody: Sibal

"P Chidambaram is being made vicariously liable. The ED's case seems to be that since he's Karti's father, he must be involved... There is no chargesheet filed naming him so prima facie no offence has been committed," Sibal.

Sibal cites the judgment of a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in the case of Gurbaksh Singh on the issue of right of an accused for anticipatory bail.

Raising the issue of the documents, Sibal says, "If there is a money trail, there must be documents and the source of the monies traceable. What are they trying to find out? First probe, find out and then seek custody."

Don't take any coercive action: PC's legal team to CBI

The legal team of P Chidambaram has asked the CBI not to take any coercive action against the former Union finance minister as his petition is to be heard in the Supreme Court on Wednesday morning.

Hours after the Delhi High Court refused to grant any protection from arrest to Chidambaram in the INX media case, the CBI issued a notice to him on Tuesday, asking him to appear before the investigation officer within two hours, after failing to find him at his residence.

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Chidambaram being shamefully hunted down: Priyanka

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday slammed the government over theaction of probe agencies against former finance minister P Chidambaram, alleging that he is being "hunted down" as hespeaks the truth which is"inconvenient to cowards".

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No sanctions have been sought for the six govt secretaries till now: Sibal

Kapil Sibal said, "Their case talks about Advantage Strategies but Karti is neither a Director of the company, nor a shareholder."

"The CA Bhaskar Raman got bail, Karti Chidambaram got bail, Indrani and Peter Mukherjea are on default bail and no sanctions have been sought for the six government secretaries till now," he said.

None of the then six FIPB secretaries said that Karti approached them: Sibal

The Courtassembles to resume hearing in the case.

"The case is that Karti Chidambaram used his relationship with P Chidambaram to influence public servants to secure ex-post-facto FIPB approvals for the downstream investment in INX media," Sibal argued.

"All the then six FIPB [Foreign Investment Promotion Board] secretaries have been examined and none of them said that Karti Chidambaram approached them," he said.

"Statements of these officers are also part of the attachment proceedings where they have said that Karti never approached them," he said.

Chidambaram is at liberty to seek a remedy in accordance with the law: SC

In a setback for Congress leader P Chidambaram, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain his petition challenging the dismissal of anticipatory bail in a corruption case lodged by the CBI in the INX media scam.

At the outset, a bench comprising justices R Banumathi and A S Bopanna said since Chidambaram has already been arrested and is in the custody of the CBI, his appeal in the case has become infructuous. However, the bench said Chidambaram is at liberty to seek a remedy in accordance with the law.

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Bench rises for lunch

The Bench rises for lunch. The hearing to continue thereafter.

Court should peruse the questions that were put to him: Sibal

"SG says Chidambaram is being evasive but the Court should peruse the questions that were put to him and the responses given by him to ascertain if he was being evasive.

This is my serious objection to documents being given to Court in sealed cover which were never put before P Chidambaram.

Sibal detailing the facts of the INX Media case and the allegations made against P Chidambaram," Sibal said.

Only question being asked if he has an account in the Coutts Bank: Sibal

"They have to clarify when these documents and notes were discovered. If it was before questioning, why didn't they confront him and if it was after questioning, then why was he not called again," Sibal said.

"Even now these questions are not put before him. The only question being asked to him is if he has an account in the Coutts Bank. He's being asked questions like 'do you have a Twitter account'... This is the quality of investigation during custodial interrogation," he said.

Documents spoken of is to prejudice the case against Chidambaram: Sibal

Kapil Sibal said in the Court, "SG has contended discovery of a large number of mails, bank accounts, among other things. All this was never out to Chidambaram. He was examined by ED thrice and only once by the CBI. Neither agencies put any of this before him."

"And these documents spoken of is to prejudice the case against Chidambaram. The procedure is not followed and is in violation of Article 21," Sibal said.

"If documents were available then why was he not confronted? Why did they pass the documents to Delhi High Court judge in sealed covers? This is a media trial," he said.

They should have summoned and interrogated me: Sibal

"If they discovered some material between the time FIR was filed and I was arrested, they should have summoned me and interrogated me. They cannot spring it like a surprise in the Court," said Sibal.

"The Will that was spoken about by SG in the earlier hearing is in a public domain. The attachment of properties is known. They cannot just make statements like this. ED's only case is that he is not cooperating. This is not fair, this is media trial," he said

Tushar Mehta opposes

"The Counter affidavit that they were to file was leaked to the Press," saidSibal.

Tushar Mehta opposes, says they didn't leak the affidavit but it was leaked after it was served to Chidambaram.

Sibal argues on Article 21 and says liberty cannot be denied to a person without due procedure of law. He said that the attempt to produce documents without the accused ever knowing what is being produced is in violation of Fundamental Right.

(Bar and Bench/ Twitter)

It can’t be that they give or show any document to the court: Sibal

Lawyer Kapil Sibal says in the Court that notes, documents and diaries were passed on to Delhi HC judge as evidence. These documents were not shown to P Chidambaram during questioning.

He said that, "Itcan’t be that they give or show any document to the court and I am not entitled to look into it. They leak it to media. They leaked the ED affidavit to the media."

Plea against Delhi HC order dismissing anticipatory bail is infructuous: SC

The Supreme Court said that since Chidambaram is already in CBI custody, his plea against Delhi HC order dismissing anticipatory bail is infructuous.

While dismissing Chidambaram's plea in CBI case, SC says he is at liberty to seekremedy in accordance with the law. (PTI)

SC refuses to entertain P Chidambaram's petition in corruption case lodged by CBI.

Supreme Court dismisses the appeal filed by Congress leader P Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court order which dismissed his anticipatory bail plea in a case being probed by CBI in INX media case.

Supreme Court asks P Chidambaram to move regular bail before an appropriate court. SC says the petition became infructuous since Chidambaram had been arrested on August 21. (ANI)

Plea against trial court's remand order not listed for hearing on Monday despite apex court's direction: PC to SC

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday moved the Supreme Court, saying his plea challenging the trial court's order remanding him to CBI custody in the INX media case has not been listed for hearing today despite the apex court's direction on August 23.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Chidambaram, mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice R Banumathi and said that during the hearing on Friday last, the court had said that the plea challenging the remand order would be taken up for hearing today but it has not been listed for arguments.

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Court refuses to adjourn Aircel-Maxis case till Tue

Court refuses to adjourn Aircel-Maxis case till Tue on pleas by CBI, ED which sought adjournment saying INX Media case pending before SC.

Sibal and Singhvi object to Tushar Mehta submitting documents

After the order was passed, SG Tushar Mehta wanted to give some documents to Court to read that were collected by Enforcement Directorate but Sibal and Singhvi objected saying this had previously happened in the High Court. SC denied saying everything will be taken up on Monday. (ANI)

SC grants interim protection till Aug 26

Supreme Court grants interim protection from arrest to former Union Minister P Chidambaram, till August 26 in connection with INX media case probed by Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Both CBI and Enforcement Directorate matters to be heard again on Monday, August 26 in Supreme Court. Chidambaram is in CBI custody till August 26.

It is my case that he is evasive: Tushar Mehta

Justice Banunathi inquires if P Chidambaram had been given protection earlier. "Your case cannot be that he is not cooperating?" she asked.

"It is my case that he is evasive," Tushar Mehta replied. "We (ED) cannot arrest him till Monday. There is no need for protection from arrest till Monday," he said.

We have found a money trail and found 10 properties abroad: Mehta

"We have found a money trail and found 10 properties abroad and 17 overseas bank accounts and can confront P Chidambaram with these details that these are your men," Tushar Mehta says.

"There are people like him with his mental faculties who would not divulge any details if they remain under protection," he said.

We have evidence that wills have been written: Mehta

CBI had statements from Indrani Mukherjea stating that Peter Mukherjea and Indrani Mukherjea went to meet P Chidambaram and were told that FIPB approvals will be given, Tushar Mehta said at the court.

"We have evidence that wills have been written by the persons on whose name shell companies are created and these wills are in favour of P Chidambaram's granddaughter. But the wills are now destroyed," he said.

The note becomes the basis of denying bail to Chidambaram: Sibal

Kapil Sibal in Supreme Court: Delhi HC judgment is verbatim of what is in the note. Comma for comma, full stop for full stop. Everything is a copy, so the note becomes the basis of denying bail to Chidambaram. (ANI)

Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi says that the Delhi HC judge who was deciding an anticipatory bail matter has suggested that the provision of anticipatory bail should be done away with for serious economic offences.

The ld Judge has also referred to Aircel Maxis case while denying anticipatory bail in INX Media case. I already have interim protection in Aircel Maxis case and the learner Judge is referring to an unconnected matter in this judgment. It shows how the mind is working, Singhvi said.

We were not given a chance to reply: Sibal

Here are the arguments ongoing in the Court:

Kapil Sibal in SC: After arguments were over, Solicitor General gave a note to Justice Gaur, the HC judge. We were not given a chance to reply on that.

SG Tushar Mehta: Don't make false statements, I didn’t give it after the arguments were over.

Kapil Sibal: Have stated on oath.

(ANI)

Chidambaram's fundamental right to access to justice has been frustrated: Sibal

Hearing begins in Supreme Court on petitions filed by former Union Minister P Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court’s order rejecting his anticipatory bail plea in connection with INX media case probed by CBI and ED.

Appeal filed by P Chidambaram in Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court order in CBI case to be heard on August 26.

"Chidambaram's fundamental right to access to justice has been frustrated by the way in which the plea against Delhi HC verdict was not heard despite moving the SC on time," Kapil Sibal told the Court.

The economy and the cause of liberty, need a stimulus package: Sibal

Congress leader and lawyer, Kapil Sibal, tweeted saying, "The events of the last few weeks have shown that both, the economy and the cause of liberty, need a stimulus package. The economy is in ICU and the government has issued a 'lookout notice'for all those defending civil liberties."

P Chidambaram sent to CBI custody till August 26

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram wastaken from Court, on Friday, after he was sent to CBI custody till August 26.

Lawyers and family of Chidambaram allowed to meet him for half an hour every day: Court

Lawyers and family of Chidambaram allowed to meet him for half an hour every day, says court.

"Considering all facts and circumstances I am of view that police custody of Chidambaram is justified", saidthe judge. Speaking about the Medical tests of Chidambaram, the court said, "Medical test of Chidambaram has to be conducted in accordance with law".

P Chidambaram's plea against Delhi HC order denying him anticipatory bail listed for Friday before SC bench headed by Justice R Banumathi.

CBI Sources: CBI is also investigating the trail of payments in several companies abroad and letter of Rogatory (LR) have been sent to the concerned countries.

Supreme Court to hear P Chidambaram's petition against the Enforcement Directorate on August 27, whereas his petition against the CBI would be heard tomorrow.

When DH caught up with P Chidambaram

Congress lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi outside CBI Court

Disbelief grips Chidambaram supporters in his native Sivaganga

A sense of disbelief and outrage was palpable among supporters of Congress leader P Chidambaram in and around his native village of Karaikudi in Sivaganga district over his arrest, even as a section of people expressed indifference and some outrightly opposed him.

In the sleepy hamlet of Kandanur, about 10 km from Karaikudi, though life appeared to go on as usual, the arrest of Chidambaram set tongues wagging. Expressing disbelief, V Nelliyan told PTI "this is nothing but an act of political vendetta."

PTI

Congmen protest at CBI Bhopal office over Chidambaram arrest

Congress workers staged a protest outside the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officeto denounce the arrest of senior party leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram by the central agency.

Congress workers holding placards with messages alleging "misuse" of the CBI gathered outside the agency's office in the Char Imli area and staged a noisy protest.

We have gathered here to protest against the misuse of the CBI against opposition leaders, especially those raising questions over the functioning of the BJP government at the Centre, said Suraj Tiwari, secretary, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).

PTI

Chidambaram urges the court to read his transcript

P Chidambaram in Court: Please look at the questions and answers, there are no questions which I have not answered, please read the transcript. They asked, if I have bank account abroad, I said no, they asked if my son has an account abroad I said yes.

CBI Court reserves its order on an application of CBI seeking five day remand of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in INX media case

It is our statutory right to interrogate: SG Tushar Mehta

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta arguing for CBI, earlier today,'We are merely seeking court’s permission to interrogate the accused further. It’s a serious case involving intelligent people.'

Further investigation is going on. We filed an affidavit before HC stating that further investigation under section 173 CrPc is going on. It is our statutory right. There is a need to interrogate, Mehta, appearing for the CBI, tells the court.

Chidambaramhas tremendous potential of not cooperating in probe since he is highly intelligent, he adds.

There is a reasonable ground forChidambaram's custody as he was evasive in his replies, says SG Tushar Mehta. "EvenChidambaram's son Karti underwent custodial interrogation in the case."

There is no new development in this case: Singhvi

Police remand can only be in special circumstances and this is also a case where there is no new development, Singhvi tells court.

Only old questions are being asked after arrest since last evening: Singhvi

(PTI)

Singhvi opposes CBI

Senior advocate A M Singhvi joins Sibal to oppose CBI case against Chidambaram.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi arguing for Kapil Sibal, said that "CBI’s entire case is based on Indrani Mukherjea's evidence and a case diary."

He said that, "Non cooperation is if probe agency calls me five times and I don’t go, non cooperation is not giving the answer they like to hear.They called P Chidambaram once, and he went. Where is non cooperation?"

"How can CBI seek remand on ground of evasive replies, that is not the law," he said.

There isno allegation of tampering of evidence made by CBI, so there cannot be a custodial interrogation of Chidambaram, he adds.

Grant of bail is a rule: Sibal to court

CBI cannot say Chidambaram evasive in investigation, Sibal said to court.

"Grant of bail is a rule and the issue before court is of personal liberty," he said. (PTI)

this is the case has to do with something else: Sibal in Court

Kapil Sibal said in Court,I"f a Judge has taken seven month to deliver the judgement(Delhi HC judgment rejecting anticipatory bail of Chidambaram) then is that the protected umbrella Chidambaram got? We are aggrieved." (ANI)

He said that this is the case which has nothing to do with evidence but with something else.

Chidambaram had discussions with party leaders before hearing

The hearing would take place before Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar.

Soon after entering the courtroom, Chidambaram was seen having discussions with his party leaders and senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Vivek Tankha.

Read more

Not slept for 24 hours: P Chidambaram to Court

Chidambaram tells court he has not slept for 24 hours.

Lawyer Kapil Sibal said, "What CBI says is not the gospel truth."

He said that the investigators don't know what to ask and they don't have questions ready with them.

Sibal reportedly said that "Last night CBI said that they wanted to interrogate Chidambaram."

He said thatChidambaram was arrested last night was interrogated only at 11 AM and "asked him only 12 questions."

He said that, "By now they should know what questions to ask. The questions had nothing to do with Chidambaram."

Chidambaram never skipped interrogation: Sibal

FIPB approval given by senior officials, who were not arrested, Sibal tells court. He said thatFIR filed around 10 years after alleged offence and thatChidambaram never skipped interrogation.

Indrani and Peter Mukerjea also accused in the case are on bail due to default as they are in jail in another case, Sibal to court.

This is a case of documentary evidence: Sibal

First arrest in the case was of Bhaskar Raman, chartered accountant of Karti, and he is also out on bail, Sibal tells court.

According to reports, he said thatthe investigation is complete as draft chargesheet is ready and sanction was sought.
He further said that the Foreign Investment Promotion Board approval was given by 6 Government Secretaries, none of which have been arrested.

He said, "This is a case of documentary evidence. He(Chidambaram) has never skipped interrogation."

Karti Chidambaram was granted regular bail by the Delhi High Court: Sibal

Kapil Sibal arguing for P Chidambaram in Court says the accused in this case is Karti Chidambaram who was granted regular bail by the Delhi High Court in March 2018, challenges in Supreme Court not interfered. Other accused also got bail. Peter and Indrani Mukerjea on default bail.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram asked for "helping" his son Karti's business and make overseas remittances in lieu of granting FIPB approval to INX Media, Indrani Mukerjea had told investigators probing the money laundering and corruption case related to the media firm.

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Money trail in the scam has to be probed: CBI

Money trail in the scam made out and has to be probed, CBI tells court.

Thry further say that a custodial interrogation of Chidambaram necessary to unearth quid pro quo and larger conspiracy and the INX Media scam is a serious and monumental case of money laundering. (PTI)

Grave offence was committed: Mehta

Solicitor General places before court judgement of Delhi HC dismissing Chidambaram's anticipatory bail plea.

Meht asaid that a grave offence was committed, and that thecustodial interrogation required to get answer of certain questions for effective probe.

Chidambaram to be confronted with documents

Chidambaram to be confronted with documents relating to the INX Media scam, says Mehta.

He says that Chidambaram's custodial interrogation necessary to unearth larger conspiracy in the INX Media case and that achargesheet is yet to be filed in the case and they "need material which Chidambaram is holding".

Chidambaram is non cooperative: Mehta

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for CBI, says Chidambaram was in conspiracy with others in the INX Media scam.

Mehta arguing for CBI in Court says right to silence is constitutional right and I have no issue, but he is non cooperative, he was evasive to questioning.

He said, "This is a classic case of money laundering. We are at the pre chargesheet stage, material with him, he remained non cooperative."

Moved an application seeking 5 day custody of P Chidambaram: Tushar Mehta

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta arguing for CBI in Court says have moved an application seeking 5 day custody of P Chidambaram.

CBI says in Court that on application of CBI a non bailable warrant was also issued and on that basis the arrest was made.

(ANI)

PC joins list of high-profile people put behind bars

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram became the latest entrant in the list of high-profile people to have been put behind bars when the CBI arrested him on Wednesday in the INX media case.

The 73-year-old will be questioned in the case which was filed by the agency in 2017, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to a media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the finance minister.

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Hearing begins

Former Home minister P. Chidambaram is produced in the CBI court. The hearing begins. (ANI)

P Chidambaram brought to CBI court

P. Chidambaram brought to CBI court for hearing in INX Media Case. He will be produced in court shortly.

P Chidambaram leaves from CBI office

P. Chidambaram being taken from CBI Office to court for hearing in INX Media Case.

Heavy security outside CBI

Heavy security outside Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office from where P. Chidambaram will be taken to court for hearing; water cannons also deployed outside the office.

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan and advocate Arshdeep Singh Khurana are present in court room of CBI Court.(ANI)

Former union minister's wife and son reach Delhi court

P Chidambaram's wife Nalini, son Karti along with senior lawyers representing ex-Union minister reach Delhi court ahead of hearing. (PTI)

West Congress protest

Congress workers in West Bengal staged road blockades and organised rallies in various parts of the state on Thursday to protest against the arrest of former Union finance minister and party's senior leader P Chidambaram.

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The way his matter has been handled is very depressing: WB CM Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the former home minister's arrest, said, "Sometimes the process in incorrect, I'm not talking about legality, but Chidambaram is a senior politician, he is a former finance minister and home minister. The way his matter has been handled, that is very depressing, that's very bad, andsad as well."

Trying to convert corruption into a revolution: Naqvi

Hitting out at the Congress for strongly backing P Chidambaram in the INX Media case, Union minister and senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday said the opposition party and its leadership is trying to "convert corruption into a revolution".

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Chidambaram to presented in Court shortly

Former finance minister P Chidambaram will be produced in court at 4pm today, according toTV reports. He was formally questioned for about three hours, from 12 a.m,at the CBI headquarters by CBI Director Rishi Kumar Shukla along with all the top agency officials, reportedly.

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MK Stalin on the former finance minister's arrest

DMK President MK Stalin in Chennai, onP Chidambaram's arrest by CBI, said, "I too saw how CBI jumped the wall & arrested him, it's a matter of shame for India, it is political vendetta. Chidambaram had asked for anticipatory bail but he was arrested, it's condemnable."

DMK protest for Kashmir at the Jantar Mantar, Karti Chidambaram joins

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) led All-Party Demonstration, demanding the "release of leaders detained in Jammu & Kashmir" underway at Jantar Mantar. Congress leaders Karti Chidambaram & Ghulam Nabi Azad, RJD leader Manoj Jha, and others also present.

G Kishan Reddy on P Chidambaram

Union Minister of State for Home, G Kishan Reddy on P Chidambaram arrested by CBI:Law will take its own course, the court takes decisions as per law,the party,the govt has no role in it. It's the court, not government that decides where to put the people who indulge in corruption. (ANI)

Karti Chidambaram in Delhi: Never met Peter Mukerjea

On arriving atthe Delhi airport, Karti Chidambaram said addressing the media, "I've never met Peter Mukerjea, I've never met Indrani Mukerjea in my life. The only time I've seen Indrani was when CBI took me to confront her. I have had no interaction with anyone directly or indirectly connected with their company."

About his protest at the Jantar Mantar, he said, "The protest in Jantar Mantar is about Article 370. Our whole party, alliance parties, the leader of DMK raised this issue (P Chidambaram's arrest) as well, Mr. MK Stalin condemned it yesterday."

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MLA Randeep Singh Surjewala in a press briefing

Indian National Congress MLA,Randeep Singh Surjewala, said in a press briefing said, "Over the last two days India has witnessed the murder of democracy and law. Nothing but political vendetta by the Narendra Modi government."

He enlisted seven points to be noted in the case, saying that neither Mr P chidambaram nor his son Karti Chidambaram have been accused in the INX media case. additionally there is no offence offense disclosed against P chidambaram in the First information report, nor a chargesheet has been filed till today.

He said that the party stands with P Chidambaran and believe in his innocence. "There are zero cases in any charges against him," Sujrewal said.

He further said that there is no compelling case against the former finance minister and false charges are heaped upon him.

Activist and Public interest lawyer Prashant Bhushan on the arrest of the former finance minister

Supreme Court Public interest lawyer and activist, Prashant Bhushan tweeted, "Arresting Chidambaram for 'custodial interrogation' is totally malafide & against the Constitution. He has cooperated with the investigation & appeared before CBI & ED whenever called. Do they want to extract confession by custodial torture? Govt's misuse of agencies is boundless."

Lawyer and senior Congress Leader Kapil Sibal speaks on P Chidambaram

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal, on the P Chidambaram arrest, said, "It's a matter of great concern to us as members of legal fraternity, also it should be a matter of concern as citizens. All we wanted was a hearing,the presiding judge chose instead to say that I am sending the file to CJI. Isn't a citizen entitled to be heard?"

Karti on P Chidambaram's arrest

Karti Chidambaram arrived to Delhi from Chennai. He said,"This is not merely targeting of my father but the targeting of Congress party. I will go to Jantar Mantar to protest."

Karti Chidambaram arrives

Karti Chidambaram arrives at Delhi Airport from Chennai. His father P Chidambaram was arrested by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), on Wednesday.

Why no charge sheet yet, asks Karti

Terming the arrest of his father and former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram as “politically-motivated witch-hunt”, his son Karti on Wednesday night asked why no charge sheet has been filed in the INX Media case if there was enough evidence as claimed by agencies.

Karti, the Congress MP from Sivaganga, also said the drama surrounding his father’s arrest from his Jor Bagh residence in New Delhi was “pure theatrics” and “voyeurism” for the pleasure of a few.

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Chidambaram at the CBI headquarters

Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram spent a quiet night in the CBI guest house on the ground floor of the agency headquarters after his dramatic arrest from his posh residence in the INX media corruption case, officials said on Thursday.

His questioning will start at around 10 a.m today,under DySP R Parthasarthy who is leading the probe in the alleged corruption in Rs 305 crore clearance given to INX media when he was the Union finance minister, the officials said.

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Satya Pal Singh, Baghpat BJP MP on P Chidambaram

Satya Pal Singh said, "Chidambaramji is a former Union Finance,&Home Minister, he is an intellectual & knows the law, he should not have behaved like this after court's order.What happened was not good, had he surrendered earlier, his dignity would have remained intact."

Former External Affairs Minister and senior advocate Salman Khurshid on P Chidambaram

Salman Khurshid, Congress, on P Chidambaram arrested by CBI: It's deeply distressing that all that had to happen, there was no question of not being answerable to the law. The matter is listed on Friday, they could have waited till then to see what the Supreme Court wants to do. (ANI)

Shameless witch-hunt, says Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala

"The shameless witch-hunt & unheard of abuse of CBI/ED by Modi Govt 2.0 is playing on every TV screen in India. It’s a sham and shame that democracy stands dead in the hands of the BJP."

P Chidambaram will be produced in CBI court tomorrow

Press statement by P Chidambaram

Karti Chidambaram on being asked 'who is doing all this?', in Chennai: Yes, of course, all of this is being done by BJP. Who else? You think Donald Trump? No. (ANI)

This is a totally politically motivated witch hunt: Karti Chidambaram on P Chidambaram apprehended by probe agencies

INX Media case: P Chidambaram taken into custody

The arrest came almost 30 hours of high drama after Delhi High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea on Tuesday evening and Supreme Court listing Chidambaram's appeal for hearing only on Friday after refusing immediate relief.

He was taken to CBI headquarters from his Jor Bagh residence at around 9:45 PM amid a group of Congress workers protesting and some of them throwing themselves on top of the car in which he was driven.

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P Chidambaram taken away in a car by officials

The drama and spectacle being enacted by the agencies is to simply sensationalise and satisfy the voyeuristic pleasure of some: Karti Chidambaram

An Enforcement Directorate (ED) team arrives at P Chidambaram's residence

A CBI official jumps the gate of P Chidambaram's residence to get inside (ANI)

CBI team arrives Chidambaram's residence

A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team arrives at P Chidamabaram's residence. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have issued a Look-Out Notice against him.

CBI, ED teams enroute Chidambaram's residence

A CBI team has left AICC headquarters for P Chidambaram's Jor Bagh residence, reports ANI while an ED team is also reaching his house

Singhvi, Sibal accompany Chidambaram as he reaches Jor Bagh residence

Chidambaram leaves AICC headquarters immediately after addressing the media even as a CBI team camps at his Jor Bagh residence

Chidambaran denies any involvement in INX media scandal

In the last 24 hours a lothas happened that has caused concern to some&confusion to many. In INX Media case, I've not been accused of any offence nor any one else incl any member of my family. There is no charge sheet filed by either ED or CBI before a competent court, says P Chidambaram

I bow down to the law though I have been dealt an uneven hand: PC

I believe that the foundation of a democracy is liberty, most precious article of the constitution is Article 21 that guarantees life and liberty. If I'm asked to choose between life and liberty, I will choose liberty, says Chidambaram at AICC press conference

Congress leader K C Venugopal: "In FIR, P Chidambaram's name is not there, but they want to arrest him. We aren't against law but the way in which they're doing things, it's evident that it is a clear case of political vendetta. Those who're attacking govt, they want to make them silent."

ED widens probe against P Chidambaram

The ED's money laundering probe against former finance minister P Chidambaram has been enlarged as it suspects his role in granting alleged illegal FIPB clearances to at least four more business deals, apart from INX Media and Aircel-Maxis, and receiving multi-crore kickbacks through multiple shell firms, official sources said on Wednesday.

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CBI issues Look Out Circular against P Chidambaram

The CBI has issued a Look Out Circular against former finance minister P Chidambaram to prevent him from leaving the country, officials said on Wednesday.

The agency has alerted all the airports to prevent Chidambaram from boarding a flight, they said, adding the circular was issued recently.

The ED has also issued a fresh lookout circular against him in connection with the INX Media money laundering case.

PTI

Stalin backs Chidambaram, accuses BJP govt of pursuing vendetta politics

DMK chief M K Stalin on Wednesday backed Congress leader PChidambaram, facing action in a money laundering case related to INX Media, and accused the BJP-led central government of pursuing political vendetta.

"As regards this issue, I have clearly learned that these (actions) are happening due to political vendetta," Stalin, whose party has an alliance with Congress in Tamil Nadu, told reporters at the DMK headquarters 'Anna Arivalayam' here.

Responding to queries, the DMK leader said, "Chidambaramis a legal expert. He will for sure face the case legally."

As many as 14 parties will take part in a protest in Delhi to be held by DMK on Thursday, seeking the release of leaders under detention in Kashmir, he said.

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SC to hear Chidambaram's anticipatory bail plea on Friday

The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to take up on Friday a plea made by former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court's order rejecting his anticipatory bail in the INX media case.

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P Chidambaram's lawyers said that they are trying for listing of matter today in SC.

Coming out of CJI's court, Chidambaram's counsel says they are waiting for Registrar's message on listing of petition.

Chidambaram failed to get any relief second time in SC

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram failed to get any relief second time in a row on Wednesday, as the Supreme Court rejected his plea to grant protection from arrest until his petition for anticipatory bail was listed for consideration.

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Chidambaram again mentions before SC seeking urgent listing of the plea against HC order in INX media case.

Govt using ED, CBI and sections of the media to character assassinate P Chidambaram: Rahul Gandhi

"Modi's Govt is using the ED, CBI & sections of a spineless media to character assassinate MrChidambaram. I strongly condemn this disgraceful misuse of power," Gandhi tweeted

Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Chidambaram has certain defects, as a result of which the SC registry is not in a position to clear it for a mentioning before the Supreme Court (ANI)

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has fileda caveat (court can't pass any order without hearing the party filing it) in the Supreme Court, in the petition filed by Chidambaram seeking protection from arrest. (ANI)

Enforcement Directorate (ED) hasfiled a caveat (court can't pass any order without hearing the party filing it) in the Supreme Court, in the petition filed byChidambaram seeking protection from arrest. (ANI)

ED issues fresh lookout circular against P Chidambaram to restrict his movement across land, air and seaports: Officials

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a fresh lookout circular against former finance minister P Chidambaram in connection with the INX Media money laundering case, officials said on Wednesday.

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Congress has expressed solidarity with Chidambaram, and slammed the govt as the one with 'cowardly nature'

Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said that treating Chidambaram as a thief is not good at all.

Chidambaram plea seeking relief sent to CJI

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday failed to get any immediate relief in the INX media case, as the Supreme Court directed for placing his petition against the rejection of anticipatory bail before the Chief Justice of India.

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Senior lawyers Kapil Sibal, Salman Khurshid and Vivek Tankha have reached the court

Chidambaram's lawyers have filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) seeking interim relief against anticipatory bail plea by the Delhi High Court

Chidambaram seeks documents of suit filed by 63 moons

Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram, who is facing a summons notice from the Bombay High Court in a suit filed by 63 moons technology company seeking Rs 10,000 crore in damages, has sought a copy of the plaint and other relevant documents from the firm.

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Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that the country is witnessing worst kind of vendetta by the Modi govt

Media personneloutside the residence of Congress leader P.Chidambaramduring yesterday'sraid. (PTI photo)

Senior lawyer and Congress leader Salman Khurshid termed the CBI action as 'extremely unfair' (ANI)

Here is what happened in the INX media case so far

May 15, 2017: CBI registers FIR in INX media case alleging irregularities in FIPB clearance to the group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007.

2018: ED lodges the money laundering case in this regard. CBI summons Chidambaram for questioning.

May 30, 2018: Chidambaram moves Delhi High Court seeking anticipatory bail plea in the corruption case of CBI.

July 23, 2018: He moves Delhi HC for an anticipatory bail in the money laundering case of ED.

July 25, 2018: High Court grants him interim protection from arrest in both cases.

January 25, 2019: HC reserves its judgment on his anticipatory bail in both cases.

August 20, 2019: HC dismisses the anticipatory bail pleas. It also declines Chidambaram's request to stay the order for 3 days to enable him to move an appeal in SC.