Rejects CBI claim that Chidambaram could flee country
The Delhi High Court on Monday denied bail to former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, saying the investigation is at an advance stage and possibility of him influencing the witnesses cannot be ruled out.
However, the court rejected CBI’s arguments that Chidambaram could flee the country or tamper with evidence in the case.
Dismissing the bail application, Justice Suresh Kait pointed out that the CBI in a sealed cover informed it that Chidambaram approached two co-accused and told them not to disclose any information.
“As argued by learned Solicitor General, (which is part of the sealed cover) two material witnesses (accused) have been approached for not to disclose any information regarding the petitioner and his son (co-accused). This court cannot dispute the fact that the petitioner has been a Finance Minister and Home Minister and currently a member of Parliament.
“He is respectable member of Bar Association of the Supreme Court of India. He has a long standing in Bar as a senior advocate. He has deep root in the Indian society and may have some connection abroad. But, the fact that he will not influence the witness directly or indirectly cannot be ruled out in view of above fact. Moreover, the investigation is at advance stage, therefore this court is not inclined to grant bail,” said the judgment.
“The economic offences constitute a class apart and a class by itself, as it cuts the very root of probity and purity of public administration and results in eroding the public confidence which it reposes on the Government elected by it,” Justice Suresh Kait said while dismissing the bail petition.
Meanwhile, the court rejected CBI’s arguments that Chidambaram is a flight risk and would tamper evidence. Regarding the flight risk, the judge said it can be secured by putting conditions, including surrender of passport, issuance of look-out notice and the accused not being allowed to leave the country without the permission of the court (even via Nepal and Bhutan).