Aircel-Maxis case: Protection from arrest to Chidambaram, Karti extended

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday extended till March 8 the interim protection from arrest granted to former Union minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti in the Aircel-Maxis scam cases filed by the CBI and the ED.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) told Special Judge O P Saini that Karti Chidambaram has been asked by the agency to appear before it on March 5, 6, 7 and 12 for questioning in the cases.

The probe agency said Karti was appearing before the probe agency as per the Supreme Court’s directions.

The apex court had on January 30 asked Karti to appear before the ED on March 5, 6, 7 and 12 for questioning in connection with the INX Media and Aircel Maxis cases.

“Let the matter be fixed after March 12, since he has to appear on March 5,6,7,12, it said,” ED, through Special Public Prosecutors N K Matta and Nitesh Rana, told the court.

P Chidambaram, who was present in the court, opposed the ED’s request to adjourn the matter, saying it was delaying the case.

“Requesting both parties to expedite the matter but date is not fixed yet. Put up the matter for March 8,” the judge said.

At this, the counsels for Chidambarams, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and A M Singhvi, requested to extend the protection granted to them, which was allowed by the court.

The case relates to alleged irregularities in grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval in the Aircel-Maxis deal.