INX Media case: HC reserves order on Chidambaram's bail plea

The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved its order on the bail plea filed by former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram in the CBI case relating to INX Media.

A single judge bench presided by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait reserved the order after hearing the arguments from both the sides.

During the course of the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated: "We are at a stage where we have exposed our evidence to him as we have confronted the accused and hence, the risk of tampering and influencing is much higher."

He submitted: "Some people are in so powerful position that their mere presence can influence the witnesses."

"To say that I am a responsible and respected citizen is not an argument altogether. Those who have fled the country are the ones who are respected and responsible and having business empire and what not," the Solicitor General said.

Defence lawyer Kapil Sibal opposed the claims of the prosecution and said that Chidambaram is not at flight risk, there is no evidence of him tampering with evidence.

"After spending 40 days in prison, he will flee? They have to justify each day of incarceration. What is it that you cannot do outside jail but can do inside it," said defence team lawyer Singhvi on behalf of Chidambaram.

Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram were named in the case by Peter and Indrani Mukerjea, who are currently in jail in Mumbai in connection with the murder of Indrani's daughter Sheena Bora.

The ED too had filed a money laundering case against Chidambaram in this regard in 2017.

( With inputs from IANS )