High Stakes Showdown: Karti Chidambaram vs CBI Over Alleged Whisky Favoritism
The Delhi High Court will review Congress MP Karti Chidambaram's petition to cancel a CBI FIR. He's accused of aiding a Scottish whisky brand in circumventing a duty-free sales ban. Chidambaram claims the FIR is politically motivated. The case relates to older FIPB clearance irregularities.
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In a pivotal legal battle, the Delhi High Court is set to examine Congress MP Karti Chidambaram's plea, seeking the annulment of a CBI FIR. The charges allege that Chidambaram improperly favored Diageo Scotland by helping the company sidestep a ban on duty-free whisky sales.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja postponed the hearing scheduled for Monday to August 12 at the request of a public prosecutor. The charges stem from a CBI inquiry into suspected irregularities during P Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister, which involved granting FIPB clearances.
The controversy highlights the intersection of politics and justice, with Chidambaram terming the FIR a product of "political vendetta". He argues the FIR was unlawfully filed since prior approval from the competent authority was not obtained. Reports suggest suspicious payments to Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt. Ltd., implying a deeper financial complexity to the case.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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