Aircel-Maxis case: Court extends protection from arrest to P Chidambaram, son Karti till August 1

A special CBI court on Thursday extended till August 1 interim protection from arrest granted to former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti in Aircel-Maxis case.

Special Judge OP Saini passed order after  Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought more time to argue on ir anticipatory bail pleas.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for ED and  Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), submitted that some key information pertaining to case is awaited from foreign countries such as Singapore.

"A special director of ED is in Singapore and investigation is in progress. Kindly give us time 3 weeks time. We are seeking this deferment for last time. We can assure you that we will t seek furr deferment in case," he pleaded to  judge.

Mehta submitted, "Crucial details regarding sources of deposits are awaited. transaction details routed to  bank account are crucial."

READ | Aircel-Maxis Case: P Chidambaram, Son Deny Allegations Of n-cooperation Levelled By CBI, ED

Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing P Chidambaram and Karti Chidambaram, opposed deferment application of ED, saying that ncy has been repeatedly seeking adjournment in case.

"y do t have substantial evidence. Let re be sine die adjournment," Sibal said.

On May 6,  CBI court had extended interim protection given to far-son duo till May 30.

case relates to alleged irregularities in grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to Aircel-Maxis deal in 2006 when P Chidambaram was Union Finance Minister.

As per rules and foreign direct investment (FDI) policy of central government, P Chidambaram was only empowered to give approval to proposals involving foreign investment up to Rs 600 crore, probe ncy has said.

READ | Aircel-Maxis Case: Sanction To Prosecute P Chidambaram Received, CBI Tells Court