New Delhi: A Delhi court Thursday reserved for tomorrow its order on a plea by former finance minister P Chidambaram, lodged in Tihar jail in the INX Media corruption case, seeking to surrender in the money laundering case. Special judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar was informed by the Enforcement Directorate that Chidambaram’s arrest in the INX Media money laundering case is necessary but it will be done at an appropriate time.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that Chidambaram, 73, is already in judicial custody in the CBI’s corruption case and not in a position to tamper with the evidence.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Chidambaram, contended that the ED’s submission is mala fide and intended to make him suffer. He also told the court that Chidambaram can surrender whenever he wants to as its his right. Sibal said ED had come to Chidambaram’s house to arrest him on August 20 and 21 but now they do not want to do so just to ensure that he remains in judicial custody.
The court was hearing Chidambaram’s plea to surrender in ED’s money laundering case related to INX Media scam. During the hearing, Mehta argued that certain aspects are required to be probed before his custodial interrogation. The agency requires to interrogate six persons before his custodial interrogation and it was investigating money laundering which reaches beyond this country, he said.
“He is not in a position to tamper with evidence since already in judicial custody. Will arrest him at appropriate time since thereafter only 15 days will be available with ED to interrogate him in custody,” Mehta said and sought dismissal of Chidambaram’s surrender application.
“As of now we don’t want his custody. We will approach this court at an appropriate stage. We want to utilise the 15 day period at maximum,” Mehta and advocate Nitesh Rana said. He contended that the accused cannot guide the probe and the order to take him in custody right now will curtail the discretion of probe agency. (PTI)
