INX Media case: Delhi HC denies bail to P. Chidambaram

The Delhi High Court, on Friday, denied bail to former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case filed by the ED, saying prima facie allegations against him are serious in nature and he played an active and key role in the offence.

Justice Suresh Kait said that the wrong message will be sent to the society if bail is granted to Chidambaram in this case.

The High Court hadreserved the order on November 8 on the bail petition after hearing thearguments of counsel for Chidambaram and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The ED had arrested him in the money laundering case on October 16. Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI on August 21 in the INX Media corruption case and was granted bail by the Supreme Court on October 22.

The case was registered by the CBI on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram's tenure as Finance Minister. Thereafter, the ED had lodged a money-laundering case in this regard in 2017.