What’s Next for P Chidambaram? ED Pushes for Swift Trial in Money Laundering Cases

The Enforcement Directorate is pushing for a swift trial against Congress leader P Chidambaram in two significant money laundering cases: the Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case. Following a Supreme Court ruling that mandates prosecution sanctions for PMLA chargesheets, the ED has taken steps to expedite the legal process. P Chidambaram and his son, Karti, have denied any wrongdoing, claiming the allegations are politically motivated. The cases involve serious allegations of quid pro quo and illegal gratification, with the ED asserting that funds were misappropriated through shell companies. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the implications for both the accused and the political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 26, 2026, 19:54 IST

Enforcement Directorate Seeks Quick Resolution

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Thursday its intention to expedite the trial against Congress leader P Chidambaram concerning two significant money laundering cases: the Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case. The agency has submitted the necessary sanction for prosecution to a designated court.

The ED had previously filed a chargesheet for the Aircel-Maxis case in 2018 and for the INX Media case in 2020 at the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court located in Delhi, which acknowledged both cases in 2021.

In a ruling from November 2024, the Supreme Court mandated that prosecution sanction is essential for PMLA chargesheets, akin to the approval required under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

This ruling prompted numerous defendants charged under the PMLA to contest the proceedings in various legal venues, resulting in delays in trials, including those involving P Chidambaram.

To address these delays and adhere to the Supreme Court's ruling, the ED has proactively sought prosecution sanctions for all complaints involving public officials.

The agency confirmed that it received the sanction for Chidambaram's prosecution from the appropriate authority on February 10, along with the necessary order under section 197 of the CrPC for pursuing charges against the former finance minister in both money laundering cases.

The ED has presented the prosecution sanction order to the Honorable Special Court at Rouse Avenue to hasten the trial process.

P Chidambaram and his son, Karti Chidambaram, have consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the allegations are politically motivated attacks orchestrated by the BJP-led central government.

In the Aircel-Maxis case, P Chidambaram is listed as accused number six, while he is identified as accused number one in the INX Media case chargesheet.

The ED initiated a PMLA investigation into the Aircel-Maxis deal in 2012, following a CBI FIR from October 2011, and has since filed two chargesheets in this matter.

The agency alleges that the former finance minister granted Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to Aircel-Maxis in exchange for quid pro quo, as the foreign investor (Maxis) sought FDI approval amounting to USD 800 million (approximately Rs 3,565.91 crore). The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was responsible for this approval.

The ED claims that as part of a broader conspiracy, P Chidambaram fraudulently approved the investment on March 20, 2006, despite being authorized only to approve FDI proposals involving investments of Rs 600 crore or less.

Investigations revealed that Karti Chidambaram received illegal gratification amounting to Rs 1.16 crore through his companies, Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd (ASCPL) and Chess Management Services.

The agency asserts that there were financial transactions between P Chidambaram and his son, with ASCPL funds being utilized for P Chidambaram's benefit.

The INX Media money laundering case, initiated in 2017, was also based on a CBI FIR from that year, with two chargesheets filed by the ED, naming Karti as an accused.

This investigation focuses on the FIPB approval granted to INX Media during P Chidambaram's tenure as Finance Minister.

The ED alleges that illegal gratification was received through entities controlled by Karti Chidambaram in exchange for granting and regularizing the FIPB approval.

These funds were allegedly funneled through shell companies, including ASCPL, which were under Karti's direct or indirect control.

The agency claims that these funds were layered and integrated through investments in shares of Vasan Health Care and AGS Health Care, subsequently multiplying through share sales and overseas investments.

Karti Chidambaram and his associates reportedly acted on behalf of P Chidambaram, engaging with INX Media regarding FIPB approval and collecting proceeds of crime.

The funds were also used for bank deposits and investments in movable and immovable properties in India and abroad, under the names of shell entities and associates.