Chidambaram seeks anticipatory bail in Aircel-Maxis case

A Delhi court on Wednesday sought a reply from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on an anticipatory bail application filed by former Union Minister P. Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis case.

While asking the ED to file a reply by June 5, Special Judge O.P. Saini also provided interim protection from arrest to Mr. Chidambaram till the next date of hearing.

Mr. Chidambaram had sought interim protection from arrest till disposal of his anticipatory bail application.

In his application filed through advocate P.K. Dubey, Mr. Chidambaram urged the court to "grant protection of anticipatory bail and direct that the applicant/accused is released on bail in the event of his arrest in relation to the enforcement case investigation report  (ECIR) /05/DZ/2012 registered by the respondent (ED) relating to Aircel-Maxis case..."

All the evidence in in the case appeared to be documentary in nature that were already in the possession of the ED and the CBI. Further, the documentary evidence was in the form of files in the Ministry of Finance, which are currently in safe and secure possession of the Centre. As such, there arises no question of the applicant being able to tamper with the documentary evidence, Also, no recovery was to be made from Mr. Chidambaram, the bail application said.

The applicant undertakes to abide by any condition, which may be imposed by the court as a condition of granting bail, the application said.