PC gets HC relief in INX case

The Delhi High Court on Thursday gave former finance minister P Chidambaram interim protection from arrest till July 3 in the INX Media corruption case registered by the CBI.

On Wednesday, a local court had given him protection from arrest by the Enforcement Directorate till June 3 in connection with the money laundering case arising out of the Aircel-Maxis case.

In the high court, Justice A K Pathak gave Chidambaram interim protection but asked him to join questioning and cooperate with the investigations as and when called by the CBI.

On Chidambaram’s petition seeking anticipatory bail, the high court also issued notice to the CBI. It listed the matter for further hearing on July 3 and directed that the agency should not arrest him till then.

The former minister’s lawyers Kapil Sibal and Salman Khurshid assured the court that the Congress leader will cooperate with the CBI.

However, appearing for the CBI, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the plea saying Chidambaram should have first approached the trial court. When Mehta said the CBI has issued a notice to him and law is equal for all, the court said “either you make a statement that you are not going to arrest him, or else I need to protect as he apprehends arrest.”