Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of former finance minister P Chidambaram till Oct 3 in INX Media case.
The order was passed by Special CBI judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar.
At today’s hearing, Solicitor General (SG) of India Tushar Mehta appearing for CBI pressed for the extension of custody till Oct 3.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Chidambaram challenged the extension saying extension can’t be granted on mechanical grounds and that credible reasons should be given for the extension of custody.
“CBI application does not give reasons for extension of judicial custody and the accused (Chidambaram) has already been in custody for 14 days,” Sibal said.
Sibal further sought treatment of Chidambaram in AIIMS Delhi and also chair in the cabin of Chidambaram in Tihar.
Sibal also sought permission for Chidambaram to meet family after the proceedings.
The judge allowed it.
On Sep 4, Chidambaram was sent to judicial custody till Sep 19 after which he was produced before the judge today.
Chidambaram is facing probe in cases registered by the CBI and the ED pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union Finance Minister.
—India Legal Bureau