Chidambaram custody extended, SC to hear case on Sept 5

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram was on Tuesday sent to the CBI custody by a Delhi court till September 5, following an order passed by the Supreme Court, even though the investigating agency submitted he may not be required for custodial interrogation.

Thus, the senior Congress leader escaped from being sent to Tihar jail in judicial custody in the INX media case related to the FIPB clearance in 2007.

On being taken to the trial court, Chidambaram took a pot-shot on falling GDP which was recorded at 5 % in April-June quarter, asking, “what is 5%? Do you remember 5%”. His response came when he was asked about the CBI custody.

Earlier on Tuesday, the top court directed for keeping him in CBI custody till September 5.

A bench of Justices R Banumathi and A S Bopanna ordered for maintaining the status quo even as the CBI led by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that the investigating agency may not require him for further custodial interrogation.

“Let the law take its own course. For two days, a person can't go to judicial custody,” Mehta asked.

The bench, however, said, "we don't want to usurp the power of competent court".

But, “we deem it appropriate that the present status quo of CBI custody of the petitioner shall remain continued till Thursday,” the bench ordered.

After his arrest on August 21, Chidambaram had remained in the CBI custody.