Delhi High Court Stays Proceedings in P Chidambaram’s Aircel-Maxis Money Laundering Case

In a significant development, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, November 20, stayed the proceedings against Senior Congress Leader P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case. The court also directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to respond to a plea filed by Chidambaram, challenging the trial court’s decision to take cognizance of the chargesheet filed against him. The case, which involves allegations of illegal foreign direct investment approvals during Chidambaram’s tenure as the Finance Minister, is now scheduled for a detailed hearing in January 2025.

Chidambaram’s legal team argued that the trial court had erred in taking cognizance of the offense without obtaining the necessary prior sanction under Section 197(1) of the CrPC, which is required for prosecuting a public servant. The Congress leader contends that as the Finance Minister at the time of the alleged offenses, any prosecution against him should have received prior approval. The ED had accused Chidambaram of approving FDI worth $800 million, which exceeded his authority of ₹600 crore, and bypassing the competent authority—the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

The Enforcement Directorate’s charges also highlight that Chidambaram’s actions as a public servant were allegedly committed in the discharge of his official duties, which fall under the purview of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The court’s decision to issue a stay and seek further clarification from the ED marks an important moment in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the high-profile case.

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