New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed Karti Chidambaram, son of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, to appear before the CBI on August 23 in a matter relating to alleged irregularities in FIPB clearance to INX Media.
The apex court brushed aside Karti’s allegation that he was being harassed in the name of FIPB approval and that the real target was his father, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram.
Karti’s counsel Gopal Subramanium while arguing the same, said it has become the fashion of the day to target relatives of important politicians.
When Karti continued to protest his innocence, the bench of CJI JS Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud pointedly enquired, “Do you want to say you are so good that you don’t want to appear before CBI?”
In response, Karti told the bench that he was “not afraid of appearing, but I need protection.”
The top court then agreed to permit Karti to take along with him a lawyer to appear before CBI but said the lawyer would not be within hearing distance of interrogation.
The Apex Court also posted for hearing on August 28 a CBI petition challenging Madras high court’s order that stayed a look out notice against Karti preventing him from going abroad.