Supreme Court Allows Karti Chidambaram MP To Travel Abroad On Condition Of Depositing Rs 1 Crore

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Congress MP Karti Chidambaram's application to travel abroad on a condition of depositing Rs. 1 crore.

Karti Chidambaram, son of Senior Advocate and former Union Minister P Chidambaram, has to seek the permission of the top court to travel abroad as he is out on bail in the Aircel-Maxis, INX Media cases.

A Bench comprising  Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice CT Ravikumar allowed him to travel abroad even after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the application saying that Chidambaram has not cooperated in investigation of the case and has not appropriately responded to summons issued to him.

While asking the Solicitor General to file an affidavit with regard to his submissions, the Bench observed that that aspect can be dealt with in detail later once the affidavit is filed.

For time being the applicant has been permitted to travel abroad from period between 25th October to 21st November 2021 as prayed.

The Bench noted that the application by Chidambaram was filed on 30th September after giving advance notice to the respondent and has been adjourned on two occasions in the past.

It further recorded that today (25th October) when the applicant wants to go abroad in terms of plan stated in his application, for the first time it has been stated by Solicitor General that concerned official has sworn in an affidavit indicating that the applicant has not cooperated in investigation of the case and has not appropriately responded to summons issued to him on 30th June 2021.

The applicant has been directed to abide by the usual terms specified on the earlier occasions except amount to be deposited as security stands reduced to 1 crore as prayed by applicant.

The Bench has directed the application to be notified on 22nd November 2021 next.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta at the outselling submitted that the applicant has been going to foreign countries, but he has received information that he is not cooperating.

"Not cooperating?" Senior Counsel Kapil Sibal appearing for Chidambaram said

SG Mehta clarified that Chidambaram does not provide documents when required and isn't cooperating in investigation. He also sought to file an affidavit in this regard by today.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal for Karti Chidambaram responded to SG's allegations and submitted that Chidambaram has not received any summons since January 2020. He informed the Court that his client has to leave for abroad today, and asked SG to show summons that they have sent to Chidambaram.

" He has to fly on 22nd. We served Union three months ago. This is not fair. They should come in time. At least show summons you have sent." Mr Sibal said.

The Bench however decided to permit the applicant to travel while observing that the issue raised by SG pertaining to Chidambaram not cooperating with investigation can be dealt with later, once an affidavit is also filed in that regard

Karti is facing criminal cases which are being investigated by the ED and the CBI in relation to alleged money laundering in Aircel-Maxis, INX deals. While granting him bail, the Court had restrained him from leaving country except with Court's permission.

Case Title: Karti P Chidambaram vs Directorate of Enforcement