INX Media case: Delhi High Court protects P Chidambaram from arrest till July 3

In major relief to former Union minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in INX Media corruption case, the Delhi High Court on Thursday granted him interim protection from arrest until next hearing on July 3.

However, the court asked Chidambaram to cooperate with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and join the probe when called by the agency.

The high court also sought CBI’s response on Chidambaram’s anticipatory bail plea and listed the matter for next hearing on July 3.

Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, opposed the anticipatory bail plea saying he was merely called for questioning.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Congress leader had moved a trial court seeking protection from arrest in Aircel-Maxis case. Later in the day, he approached the Delhi High Court for anticipatory bail in the INX Media case.

The CBI and Enforcement Directorate had asked Chidambaram to join the probe after his role came under the scanner of the investigating agencies in the Aircel-Maxis deal and INX Media case.

On May 15, 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR in the INX Media case after alleged irregularities were found in FIPB clearance to receive overseas funds in 2007 when Chidambaram was the finance minister.

(With inputs from agencies)