A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on July 4, 2019, allowed Indrani Mukerjea’s plea to turn approver in the INX Media case that involves former finance minister P. Chidambaram and his son Karti.
The order was passed by Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj at Rouse Avenue court complex. The Rouse Avenue court on May 30, 2019, transferred the case to Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj in the matter pertaining to the approver application moved by Mukerjea under Section 306 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Mukherjea has prayed for pardon in the case in exchange of full and true disclosure.
The INX Media case pertains to the alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance to INX Media at the time when Chidambaram was the Finance Minister.
It is the case of the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that the father-son duo received illegal gratification from INX Media owners, Peter and Indrani Mukherjea for the clearance.
The approver application was earlier heard by Special CBI judge Anurag Sain who sent the matter to the district judge to mark it to the appropriate bench which has the authority to deal with sitting MPs and MLAs. The matter was transferred after accused Karti Chidambaram became an elected Member of Parliament.
Currently, Mukherjea is lodged in the Byculla jail for the alleged murder of her daughter Sheena Bora. On a video call, she requested to be pardoned. Her plea to turn approver in the INX Media case was not opposed by the CBI.
Chidambaram’s plea seeking anticipatory bail in the case is pending before the Delhi High Court. Karti Chidambaram was granted bail in the case by the High Court last year.
