Got Centre’s nod to prosecute Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis case: CBI

The court, which further extended the protection from arrest to Chidambaram and his son Karti till December 18, also granted three weeks to the probe agency to get sanction against some other people who are accused in the case. Special Judge OP Saini posted the next date of hearing on December 18. 

There are 18 accused in the case. Besides Chidambaram, sanction is required for the prosecution of five public servants. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted on behalf of the CBI that “the competent authority, the Central government has accorded sanction for prosecution of accused P Chidambaram under section 197 of CrPC and section 19 of Prevention of Corruption Act.”

“Sanction for prosecution in respect of remaining accused the public servants (five) are still awaited,” he said, seeking two more weeks to get the nod.

The CBI said that the court’s refusal to grant more time to obtain the sanction for other accused, “In a matter pertaining to such a serious offences, may frustrate the cause of justice.”

“Custodial interrogation is required since various new materials have surfaced after filing of the charge sheet,” said the ED, represented by special public prosecutors NK Matta and Nitesh Rana.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Chidambaram, requested the court to extend the protection of the former union minister, as well as his son and co-accused Karti in theboth the cases filed by the CBI as well as the ED.