ED gets nod to prosecute P Chidambaram in INX, Aircel-Maxis cases
India Today
The INX Media and Aircel-Maxis money-laundering cases relate to alleged financial irregularities during Chidambaram's tenure as the Union Finance Minister. He and the co-accused have denied wrongdoing.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has secured mandatory prosecution sanction against Congress veteran P Chidambaram in the INX Media and Aircel-Maxis money-laundering cases, removing a key legal hurdle and clearing the way for expedited trial proceedings.
Both cases relate to alleged financial irregularities during Chidambaram’s tenure as the Union Finance Minister. He and the co-accused have denied wrongdoing.
The agency informed the Rouse Avenue Court that the competent authority granted approval on February 10, as required under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a recent Supreme Court ruling mandating sanction before prosecuting public servants.
In November 2024, the Supreme Court held that prior sanction is compulsory even in PMLA prosecutions involving public officials. The ruling triggered challenges in multiple ongoing cases, including those against Chidambaram, slowing proceedings.
With fresh sanctions now formally placed before the trial court in both matters, objections on procedural grounds are unlikely to stall the cases further.
The ED has indicated it will seek fast-tracked hearings.
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