Delhi High Court Stays Money Laundering Proceedings Against P. Chidambaram

The court's decision cites a recent Supreme Court ruling requiring prior sanction for prosecuting public servants under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The Delhi High Court has stayed proceedings against former Union minister P. Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case until January 2025.
This decision follows the Supreme Court's November 6 ruling mandating prior sanction from a competent authority before prosecuting public servants under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Chidambaram is accused of exceeding his authority as finance minister in 2006 by approving a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance for the Aircel-Maxis deal, which allegedly involved kickbacks.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) argued that the alleged actions were not part of Chidambaram's official duties and thus did not require sanction, but the court granted interim relief to Chidambaram.
This ruling has broader implications, with other public officials, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, seeking similar relief in separate money laundering cases.