The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, who is facing investigation in INX Media case and the Aircel-Maxis case, to travel to Germany, U.K. and France.
“Taking note of the previous orders allowing the applicant to travel abroad, we are of the view that the applicant should be allowed to travel to Germany, United Kingdom and France between March 1 to June 23 of 2021. He will, however, appear before the investigating authorities in connection with the investigation on such dates as may be fixed by the Enforcement Directorate excluding the above stated travelling period, and will cooperate with the investigating agencies,” the court said.
The court laid down a series of conditions which includes depositing ₹2 crore before the Secretary General of the court.
It barred Mr. Karti from opening or closing any bank account overseas and from entering into any kind of property transactions there.
It directed him to give the itinerary and places of residence before proceeding to travel abroad.
The court asked Mr. Karti to file an undertaking before it within three days indicating his flight details and the date of arrival in India.
“If the undertaking is not filed, the applicant shall not be allowed to go abroad,” the order said.
Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju opposed the application. He submitted that Mr. Karti was earlier allowed to travel abroad but with a deposit of ₹10 crore.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mr. Karti, said the condition was not justified for an MP and he would not run away anywhere.
