On February 14, 2020 (Friday) Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted a Status Report of their investigation in the Aircel-Maxis case, which involves Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram, in a sealed envelope before Delhi’s District Judge Sujata Kohli.

ED told District Judge that active investigation is going on and CBI told that they had sent Letters Rogatory (LR) to Malaysia, their response is awaited. The court scheduled the next hearing of the case on February 20, 2020.

On January 31, 2020 Delhi’s District Judge Sujata Kohli had given directions to ED and CBI to submit Status report of their investigation into Aircel-Maxis case, observing seriousness of allegations as mentioned in charge sheet.

The CBI and the ED had alleged that P Chidambaram, as finance minister during the United Progressive Alliance regime, granted approval to the deal beyond his capacity benefitting certain persons, and received kickbacks. According to rules and the foreign direct investment policy in force at that time, Chidambaram was allegedly empowered to give approval to proposals involving foreign investment only up to Rs 600 crore. Currently, P. Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram are out on bail.

What are Letters Rogatory (LR)?

Letters Rogatory (LR), also known as Judicial Request, is issued by a court. In which court, on the request of investigation agency, requests to the concerned country are submitted to furnish information regarding any case in which investigation is going on.

Author – Satwik Sharma