INX Media: Delhi HC Issues Notice To ED In P Chidambaram's Bail Plea

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to Enforcement Directorate in bail application filed by former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media case. 

The application was before the bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait.

In the bail application, Chidambaram has averred that ED had arrested him with mala fide intention to harm his reputation. He has submitted that the only illegal gratification alleged against is of just 10 lakhs, and he has not been confronted with any documents concerning the allegations of foreign bank accounts and shell companies.

Chidambaram has also placed his medical condition as a ground for seeking bail. In the application he has mentioned that till now he has suffered two bouts of illness, was put on antibiotics, his weight has reduced by 5 kgs, and due to the onset of winters, he might get exposed to more diseases such as dengue. 

It is also submitted in the plea that Chidambaram doesn't qualify for the triple test criteria required to deny bail. There's nothing to suggest that Chidambaram poses a flight risk. Moreover, he has always been available during investigation.

The plea also goes on to mention that Chidambaram is a renowned public figure with deep roots in the society. He has been in public life for over 40 years.

It is also averred that ED has not recovered any evidence which has a potential of incriminating Chidambaram. No documents or materials, which can be potentially incriminating, have been recovered by the agency during search and seizures.

Lastly, Chidambaram has also highlighted in the plea that all other accused persons in the case are already released on bail.

Earlier, P Chidambaram was granted bail by the Supreme Court in a CBI matter against him in the INX Media case. CBI has also filed a chargesheet before Special Judge, where charges under sections 420, 468, 471 and 120B have been levelled against the former Finance Minister.

Supreme Court in its judgment, wherein bail was granted to Chidambaram, has mentioned that he can be released if he's not detained in any other matter.