Chidambaram goes incommunicado

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has rejected former Union finance minister P Chidambaram's anticipatory plea for protection from arrest in the INX Media case. Chidambaram has moved SC over the order.

Justice Sunil Gaur, who delivered the judgment on Tuesday, had reserved the order on January 25. "Both the petitions (in CBI and ED case) are dismissed," said Justice Gaur.

After the court pronounced the order, senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, appearing for Chidambaram, sought a stay on the operation of the order for three days, to which the court said that it will consider the request and will pass an order on it.

During the arguments, both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate had opposed Chidambaram's plea on the ground that his custodial interrogation was required as he was evasive during questioning. Following the rejection of the anticipatory bail plea, P Chidambram lawyers are likely to approach the Supreme Court.

High Court said facts reveal that Chidambaram is the kingpin, the key conspirator in the INX Media case. The court is of prima facie opinion that custodial interrogation of Chidambaram is required for an effective investigation in the case.

"It is a classic case of money laundering and granting bail in such case will send the wrong message to the society," said the court while reserving the order.