The Delhi High Court on Wednesday relaxed the travel restrictions placed on Congress MP Karti Chidambaram in connection with the INX Media case, allowing him to travel abroad without seeking prior approval from the trial court for each trip.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja modified the bail conditions that had been in place since 2018, and ruled that Chidambaram is no longer required to seek permission from the trial court every time he wishes to travel overseas. However, the court added a safeguard—he must now submit his detailed travel itinerary to the investigating agency at least two weeks prior to each trip.
Background
The INX Media case pertains to alleged irregularities in the approval of foreign investment to the tune of ₹305 crore granted to INX Media in 2007 by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), when Karti’s father, P. Chidambaram, was serving as India’s Finance Minister under the Congress-led UPA government.
The Central Bureau of Investigation registered an FIR in May 2017, alleging that the FIPB clearance was improperly granted and that Karti Chidambaram played a role in facilitating the process in exchange for kickbacks.
Karti Sought Relief For Frequent Travel
Karti Chidambaram had approached the High Court seeking a relaxation in the travel condition imposed as part of his bail. He argued that he is a frequent international traveller and has consistently complied with all court directions over the years. In his plea, he requested a waiver from seeking approval for travel to specific countries he often visits—such as the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and the United States.
The CBI opposed Chidambaram’s plea, arguing that the original restriction should continue, given the seriousness of the allegations. The agency maintained that the conditions ensured accountability and oversight in a high-profile financial investigation.
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