No bail to P Chidambaram, 'he may influence witnesses,' says High Court

New Delhi : The Delhi High Court Monday refused to grant bail to former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media corruption case saying that the possibility of his influencing witnesses cannot be ruled out.

Justice Suresh Kait denied relief to the Congress leader noting that he was a strong home minister and finance minister, is a MP at present, and has a long standing as an advocate.

Chidambaram, 74, is in custody since his arrest by the CBI on August 21. The court, while pronouncing order on his bail plea, also said that the investigation by CBI was at an advanced stage.

The court agreed with CBI that the possibility that Chidambaram can influence witnesses cannot be ruled out. The court decided the bail petition on three grounds -- flight risk, tampering with evidence and influencing witnesses.

On the issue of flight risk being raised by the CBI, the court said there was no evidence that Chidambaram ever tried to flee from India and a look out circular has already been issued by the authorities against him.

Regarding CBI's contention that Chidambaram may tamper with evidence if released on bail, the court said it is not in dispute that the document relating to the case are already in the custody of the probe agency and he is not in power except that he is an MP.

So there is no chance of tampering with the evidence, the judge said while agreeing with the submission of Chidambaram's counsel on the issue.