Nalini Chidambaram alleges witch-hunt by Enforcement Directorate, central agencies

CHENNAI: Former Union Minister P Chidambaram’s wife Nalini Chidambaram has alleged that a politically motivated witch-hunt is on against her by enforcement and central investigation agencies.
Senior counsel Satish Parasaran made the submission in the Madras High Court on behalf of Nalini, while opposing a plea by Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking to lift an interim stay against the operation of summons issued to Nalini to appear before the ED at its Kolkata office as a witness in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam.

“Section 160 of CrPC clearly says that a woman cannot be summoned out of their place of residence for any inquiry,” he said. “The provision applies for proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) also, so far as it is not inconsistent with the provisions of PMLA.”

However, Justice S M Subramaniam said enforcement authorities have their own powers and limitations. “The court can interfere only if they act excessively,” he said. “If every woman in the country seeks protection under Section 160 of CrPC, will it be practically possible for the agencies to go to every one of their location to get statements.”

The judge said the summons was issued in 2016 and that Nalini had gained two years by virtue of the interim stay. He questioned why she could not appear before the ED and sort the issue out and help the investigation.

“Provisions of the PMLA empowers ED to summon any person. No provision of the Act requires authorities to comply with Section 160 of the CrPC. In fact, the PMLA has overriding powers over inconsistent statutes,” Additional Solicitor General G Rajagopalan said.