ED gets sanction to prosecute Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis, INX cases
ED gets sanction to prosecute Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis, INX cases
The Enforcement Directorate has secured Home Ministry clearance to prosecute former finance minister P. Chidambaram in two money laundering cases, aiming to fast-track the long-pending trial.
The Enforcement Directorate has secured clearance from the Home Ministry to prosecute former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis and INX Media money laundering cases. The long-pending proceedings, about 15 years old, have been stalled by a series of legal challenges, and the sanction now clears the path for a trial to progress.
ED's case centers on claims of irregular FIPB approvals and the alleged receipt of illicit payments. The agency contends that Chidambaram granted FIPB approval for the deals in exchange for quid pro quo, with illicit gratification said to have reached his son.
The move follows a Supreme Court ruling and is described by ED as a step to speed up the adjudication, potentially accelerating the court process in both cases.
Chidambaram, a veteran Congress leader, has faced a string of investigations tied to the Aircel-Maxis and INX Media deals in which money laundering figures are alleged.
