5 years ago
New Delhi:
Congress's Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kapil Sibal, both senior lawyers arguing on behalf of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, produced today in a special CBI Court, contested a number of arguments made by investigating agencies. While Mr Sibal questioned how the CBI claimed Mr Chidambaram was not cooperating, Mr Singhvi questioned how the CBI was using Indrani Mukerjea, an accused in the INX media case, as the basis to make a case against the former union minister. The CBI court's verdict has allowed the agency custody to Mr Chidambaram till Monday. The CBI court has also allowed Mr Chidambaram's family and lawyers a daily half an hour visit.
, after the arguments made by Mr Sibal and Mr Singhvi as well as the CBI's counsel, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
The CBI yesterday, in full view of television cameras, arrested P Chidambaram, from his south Delhi residence, by climbing the walls of his house.
The agency has asked for five days' custody, arguing that a "monumental and serious" offence like money laundering cannot be uncovered unless they are allowed to interrogate him in custody.
Here are the Highlights on P Chidambaram's arrest in the INX Media case:
INX Media Case: Delhi court asks CBI to ensure that personal dignity of Chidambaram is not violated in any manner
Delhi court asks CBI to ensure that personal dignity of Chidambaram is not violated in any manner, reports news agency PTI
INX Media Case: CBI Special Court Order
Considering all the facts and circumstances of the case as brought to the notice of the court, I am of the view that police custody remand of the accused P. Chidambaram is justified and accordingly, the accused is remanded to police custody till 26.08.2019. The accused shall be medically examined every 48 hours and shall be produced on 26.08.2019 after medical examination. The family members and or the counsels of the accused will be at liberty to meet him for half an hour daily at the time convenient to both parties.
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram taken out of the courtroom by CBI: PTI
P Chidambaram taken out of the courtroom by CBI, reports PTI
INX Case: Lawyers and family of Chidambaram allowed to meet him for half an hour every day, says court
Lawyers and family of Chidambaram allowed to meet him for half an hour every day, says court
INX Media Case: Considering all facts and circumstances I am of view that police custody of Chidambaram is justified, says the judge
Considering all facts and circumstances I am of view that police custody of Chidambaram is justified, says the judge, reports PTI
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram's plea against Delhi High Court order denying him anticipatory bail listed for Friday before Supreme Court bench
P Chidambaram's plea against Delhi High Court order denying him anticipatory bail listed for Friday before Supreme Court bench headed by Justice R Banumathi, reports news agency PTI
BREAKING: INX media case: P Chidambaram sent to CBI custody till August 26 by court
INX media case: P Chidambaram sent to CBI custody till August 26 by court
INX Media Case: CBI gets custody of P Chidambaram for 5 days, family allowed to visit
CBI gets custody of P Chidambaram for 5 days, family and lawyers allowed to visit daily for half an hour
BREAKING: INX Media Case: CBI to have custody of P Chidambaram till Monday
CBI to have custody of P Chidambaram till Monday
READ HERE: P Chidambaram INX Media Case: "Told CBI I Did Not Take Any Money," Says P Chidambaram In CourtFormer union minister P Chidambaram -- who was questioned for three hours today at the Central Bureau of Investigation headquarters -- has been produced in court shortly. The agency has asked for five days' custody for his interrogation, claiming that he is not cooperating with the investigation.
INX Media Case: CBI investigating trail of payments in several companies abroad: CBI sources
CBI is also investigating trail of payments in several companies abroad and Letters Rogatory have been sent to the concerned countries.
Letters rogatory is a formal communication in writing sent by the Court in which action is pending to a foreign court or Judge requesting the testimony of a witness residing within the jurisdiction of that foreign court may be formally taken thereon under its direction and transmitted to the issuing court making such request for use in a pending legal contest or action.
READ HERE: INX Media Case: "Never Met Peter, Indrani Mukherjea": Karti Chidambaram After CBI MoveArrested former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram said today that his father's arrest was nothing but an attempt to silence the government's most vocal critic.
READ HERE: INX Media Case: "Process Incorrect": Mamata Banerjee "Saddened" By P Chidambaram ArrestBengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today criticised the way in which the investigative agencies handled the arrest former finance minister P Chidambaram last evening. The senior Congress leader was arrested from his Delhi home last evening by the Central Bureau of Investigation after high drama, with some officers scaling the walls to gain entry.
READ HERE: P Chidambaram INX Media Case: Based On Case Diary, Says CBI, Produces Former Finance Minister In CourtApprover is a status and not evidence in a case, Congress's Abhishek Manu Singhvi said today while representing former Union minister P Chidambaram. The former finance minister was arrested yesterday after high drama and was presented in court today.
INX Case: CBI refuses Karti Chidambaram's request to allow P Chidambaram to speak to his granddaughter Aditi in court
CBI refuses Karti Chidambaram's request to allow P Chidambaram to speak to his granddaughter Aditi in court
INX Media Case: They asked, if I have bank account abroad, I said no, they asked if my son has an account abroad I said yes," P Chidambaram says in court
"Please look at the questions and answers, there are no questions which I have not answered, please read the transcript. They asked, if I have bank account abroad, I said no, they asked if my son has an account abroad I said yes," P Chidambaram says in court.
READ HERE: P Chidambaram INX Media Case: P Chidambaram In Court, CBI Says Don't Have Chargesheet, Only Case DiaryFormer union minister P Chidambaram -- who was questioned for three hours today at the Central Bureau of Investigation headquarters -- has been produced in court shortly. The agency has asked for five days' custody for his interrogation, claiming that he is not cooperating with the investigation.
BREAKING: INX Media Case: CBI court order for P Chidambaram in 30 minutes
CBI court order for P Chidambaram in 30 minutes
INX Media Case: we will fail in our duty if we don't get to the root of the case: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
It is a serious case involving intelligent people and we will fail in our duty if we don't get to the root of the case, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tells CBI court: PTI
INX Case: CBI argues in court: "We will be failing as the agency if we don't reach the bottom of the case"
CBI argues in court: "We will be failing as the agency if we don't reach the bottom of the case."
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram Says Want To Speak In Court, Opposed By Solicitor General
P Chidambaram, during arguments, says he wants to make a submission in court, but is opposed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Mr Chidambaram's lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, citing a judgement, says an accused can be allowed to make a submission. Solicitor General, opposes, saying it is not the procedure.
P Chidambaram, during arguments, says he wants to make a submission in court, but is opposed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Mr Chidambaram's lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, citing a judgement, says an accused can be allowed to make a submission. Solicitor General, opposes, saying it is not the procedure.
INX Case: We are not extorting confession but we have right to reach to the root of the case, Solicitor General
We are not extorting confession but we have right to reach to the root of the case, Solicitor General tells court: PTI
INX Media Case: There is a reasonable ground for P Chidambaram's custody as he was evasive in his replies, Solicitor General tells court
There is a reasonable ground for P Chidambaram's custody as he was evasive in his replies, Solicitor General tells court, according to PTI
INX Case: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta says even P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram underwent custodial interrogation in the case
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta says even P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram underwent custodial interrogation in the case: PTI
INX Case: P Chidambaram has tremendous potential of not cooperating, Solicitor General tells court
P Chidambaram has tremendous potential of not cooperating in probe since he is highly intelligent: Solicitor General to court: PTI
INX Case: Certain facts about the case cannot be narrated in open court, says Solicitor General
Certain facts about the case cannot be narrated in open court, Solicitor General tells the court
INX Case: Only old questions are being asked after arrest since last evening, says Abhishek Singhvi
Only old questions are being asked after arrest since last evening, Abhishek Singhvi tells CBI Court
INX Media Case: Police remand can only be in special circumstances and this is also a case where there is no new development: Abhishek Singhvi
Police remand can only be in special circumstances and this is also a case where there is no new development, Abhishek Singhvi tells court
INX Case: Abhishek Singhvi opposes custodial interrogation of P Chidambaram saying no allegation of tampering of evidence made by CBI
Abhishek Singhvi opposes custodial interrogation of P Chidambaram saying no allegation of tampering of evidence made by CBI, reports PTI
INX Case: "How can CBI seek remand on ground of evasive replies, that is not the law," Abhishek Singhvi tells court
How can CBI seek remand on ground of evasive replies, that is not the law: Abhishek Singhvi to court: PTI
INX Media Case: "P Chidambaram might be the approver of the FIPB decision but not the decider," says Abhishek Singhvi
P Chidambaram might be the approver of the FIPB decision but not the decider. When others have not been arrested why only him?
For any arrest, there should be three criteria:
1. Flight risk
2. Non-cooperation
3. Tampering
Here the agency doesn't have any case in two of the three and the only allegation is that P Chidambaram is not cooperating, says Abhishek Singhvi
For any arrest, there should be three criteria:
1. Flight risk
2. Non-cooperation
3. Tampering
Here the agency doesn't have any case in two of the three and the only allegation is that P Chidambaram is not cooperating, says Abhishek Singhvi
INX Media Case: "Custody is granted only in cases where the probe is impossible without custodial interrogation," says Abhishek Singhvi
"The agency should make a strong case for custody. Custody is granted only in cases where the probe is impossible without custodial interrogation," says Abhishek Singhvi
INX Media Case: "You can't force me to say what you want. If I don't say what you want, is that non-cooperation?" Abhishek Singhvi defends P Chidambaram
"You can't force me to say what you want. If I don't say what you want, is that non-cooperation," says Abhishek Singhvi
INX Media Case: "Non-cooperation means not responding to summons," says Abhishek Singhvi, adding CBI says P Chidambaram's not cooperating as he's not answering questions in manner they want
Abhishek Manu Singhvi, defending P Chidambaram in court, says:
"Non-cooperation means not responding to summons. Here the agency is saying he is not cooperating as he is not answering the questions in the manner they want."
"Non-cooperation means not responding to summons. Here the agency is saying he is not cooperating as he is not answering the questions in the manner they want."
INX Media Case: "Is approver evidence? Can that be the basis for his arrest and now custody," Abhishek Singhvi defends P Chidambaram
"Is approver evidence? Can that be the basis for his arrest and now custody," Abhishek Singhvi defends P Chidambaram
INX Media Case: To create a reason for custody of my client (P Chidambaram) she has been made approver, stating new facts have emerged: Abhishek Singhvi
Indrani Mukerjea has turned approver in the case now based on her 2018 statement. To create a reason for custody of my client (P Chidambaram) she has been made approver, stating new facts have emerged, Abhishek Singhvi tells CBI Court
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram was first called in June 2018, months after Indrani Mukerjea recorded her statement, says Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Abhishek Manu Singhvi, defending P Chidambaram in court, says:
P Chidambaram was first called in June 2018, months after Indrani Mukerjea recorded her statement. For the last one year, there have been no summons, but now CBI wants custody.
P Chidambaram was first called in June 2018, months after Indrani Mukerjea recorded her statement. For the last one year, there have been no summons, but now CBI wants custody.
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram is not flight risk and he cannot answer according to what they want to hear, Abhishek Singhvi tells court
P Chidambaram is not flight risk and he cannot answer according to what they want to hear, Abhishek Singhvi tells court: PTI
INX Media Case: Entire case based on statement on Indrani Mukerjea who has now turned an approver, Abhishek Singhvi tells CBI court
Entire case based on statement on Indrani Mukerjea who has now turned an approver, Abhishek Singhvi tells CBI court: PTI
INX Media Case: the case is based on a case diary and a statement of another accused (Indrani Mukerjea), says Abhishek Singhvi
Abhishek Manu Singhvi, speaking for P Chidambaram in court, says the case is based on a case diary and a statement of another accused (Indrani Mukerjea)
INX Media Case is based on a case diary and a statement of another accused: Abhishek Manu Singhvi, according to PTI
INX Media Case is based on a case diary and a statement of another accused: Abhishek Manu Singhvi, according to PTI
INX Media Case: Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi earlier joined Kapil Sibal to oppose CBI case against P Chidambaram
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi earlier joined Kapil Sibal to oppose CBI case against P Chidambaram
INX Media Case: Kapil Sibal says CBI could have written letter to Chidambaram for producing documents alleged to be in his possession
Kapil Sibal says CBI could have written letter to Chidambaram for producing documents alleged to be in his possession: PTI
INX Media Case: CBI cannot say P Chidambaram evasive in investigation: Kapil Sibal
CBI cannot say P Chidambaram evasive in investigation: Kapil Sibal tells CBI court, reports PTI
INX Media Case: Grant of bail is a rule and the issue before court is of personal liberty: Kapil Sibal told CBI court
Grant of bail is a rule and the issue before court is of personal liberty: Kapil Sibal told CBI court: PTI
INX Media Case: What is stated in case diary is not the truth, Kapil Sibal told CBI court
What is stated in case diary is not the truth, Kapil Sibal told CBI court, news agency PTI
INX Media Case: Kapil Sibal concludes arguments in CBI court.
Kapil Sibal concludes arguments in CBI court
INX Media Case: "How can P Chidambaram be accused of non-cooperation," asks Kapil Sibal
Kapil Sibal, representing P Chidambaram in a special CBI court in the INX Media case, says the former union minister was summoned only one day in the case and that he appeared. "So, how can P Chidambaram be accused of non-cooperation," asked Mr Sibal.
INX Media Case: Arrest is exception. This case is completely based on a case diary and a statement of another accused, says Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Arrest is exception. This case is completely based on a case diary and a statement of another accused, says Abhishek Manu Singhvi
INX Media Case: Investigators don't know what to ask P Chidambaram and they don't have questions ready with them: Kapil Sibal
Investigators don't know what to ask and they don't have questions ready with them, Kapil Sibal tells CBI court
INX Media Case: Indrani and Peter Mukerjea also accused in the case are on bail due to default as they are in jail in another case, Kapil Sibal to CBI special court
Indrani and Peter Mukerjea also accused in the case are on bail due to default as they are in jail in another case, Kapil Sibal to court: PTI
INX Media Case: Other accused including P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram already granted bail in the case, says Kapil Sibal
Kapil Sibal says other accused including P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram already granted bail in the case: PTI
INX Media Case: First arrest in the case was of Bhaskar Raman, chartered accountant of Karti Chidambaram, and he is also out on bail, Kapil Sibal tells CBI court
First arrest in the case was of Bhaskar Raman, chartered accountant of Karti Chidambaram, and he is also out on bail, Kapil Sibal tells CBI court: PTI
INX Media Case: Only 12 questions were asked today to P Chidambaram, says his lawyer Kapil Sibal in CBI special court
Only 12 questions were asked today to P Chidambaram, says his lawyer Kapil Sibal in CBI special court, opposing the CBI's demand for five-day custody. "Yesterday he was told the agency wants to question him but even today for the larger past of the day, the agency did not question him."
INX Case: Kapil Sibal says P Chidambaram arrested last night was interrogated only at 11 AM, Thursday: PTI
Kapil Sibal says P Chidambaram arrested last night was interrogated only at 11 AM, Thursday: PTI
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram tells CBI court he has not slept for 24 hours: news agency PTI
P Chidambaram tells court he has not slept for 24 hours: news agency PTI
INX Media Case: "Has the prosecution made a strong case for custody?" Kapil Sibal asks CBI court
Kapil Sibal, challenging the CBI's demand for five-day custody of P Chidambaram, says custody is exception and not a rule. "Has the prosecution made a strong case for custody?"
INX Media Case: Kapil Sibal says P Chidambaram was last questioned a year ago
Kapil Sibal, representing P Chidambaram in court, says the former union minister was last questioned a year ago and there has been no summon after that. "Now the CBI says they want to question him more and are seeking custodial interrogation," he says.
INX Media Case: FIPB approval given by senior officials, who were not arrested, Kapil Sibal tells court
FIPB approval given by senior officials, who were not arrested, Kapil Sibal tells CBI court: PTI
INX Media Case: FIR filed around 10 years after alleged offence: Kapil Sibal tells CBI court
First Information Report or FIR filed around 10 years after alleged offence; P Chidambaram never skipped interrogation: Kapil Sibal tells CBI court, reports PTI
INX Media Case: What CBI says is not the gospel truth: Kapil Sibal tells CBI court
What CBI says is not the gospel truth: Kapil Sibal to CBI court, reports PTI
INX Media Case: Kapil Sibal, senior advocate for Chidambaram, opposes 5-day custodial interrogation sought by CBI
Kapil Sibal, senior advocate for Chidambaram, opposes 5-day custodial interrogation sought by CBI: news agency PTI
INX Media scam is a serious and monumental case of money laundering, CBI tells court
INX Media scam is a serious and monumental case of money laundering, CBI tells court: PTI
INX Media Case: Money trail in the scam made out and has to be probed, CBI tells court
Money trail in the scam made out and has to be probed, CBI tells court, reports PTI
INX Media Case: Custodial interrogation of P Chidambaram necessary to unearth quid pro quo and larger conspiracy, CBI tells court
Custodial interrogation of P Chidambaram necessary to unearth quid pro quo and larger conspiracy, CBI tells court, reports PTI
INX Media Case: Grave offence was committed, custodial interrogation required: news agency PTI
Grave offence was committed, custodial interrogation required to get answer of certain questions for effective probe: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to court, reports news agency PTI
INX Media Case: Delhi High Court's judgement dismissing P Chidambaram's bail plea placed before CBI court by Solicitor General
Solicitor General places before court judgement of Delhi High Court dismissing P Chidambaram's anticipatory bail plea
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram Questioned For 3 Hours, Produced In Court
INX Media Case: Solicitor General says chargesheet yet to be filed in the case: PTI
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta says chargesheet yet to be filed in the case & we need material which P Chidambaram is holding
INX Case: P Chidambaram was in conspiracy with others in the INX Media scam, says Tushar Mehra, solicitor general: news agency PTI
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for CBI, says P Chidambaram was in conspiracy with others in the INX Media scam
P Chidambaram to be confronted with documents relating to the INX Media scam, says Solicitor General Tushar Mehta: PTI
P Chidambaram to be confronted with documents relating to the INX Media scam, says Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram's custodial interrogation necessary to unearth larger conspiracy in INX case, says CBI, according to news agency PTI
CBI says P Chidambaram's custodial interrogation necessary to unearth larger conspiracy in the INX Media case
INX Media Case: CBI says P Chidambaram not cooperating in the investigation, reports news agency PTI
CBI says P Chidambaram not cooperating in the investigation, reports news agency PTI
INX Media Case: Investigating Officer Rakesh Ahuja transferred back to Delhi Police, reports news agency ANI
Rakesh Ahuja, investigating officer in INX Media case involving senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, has been transferred back to the Delhi Police as his term in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had ended three weeks back, reported news agency ANI.
The ED has clarified that Rakesh Ahuja's term in ED had got over three weeks back.
The ED has clarified that Rakesh Ahuja's term in ED had got over three weeks back.
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram was in conspiracy with others in INX Media scam, says Solicitor General Tushar Mehta: news agency PTI
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, for CBI, says P Chidambaram was in conspiracy with others in the INX Media scam, reports news agency PTI
BREAKING: INX Media Case: CBI has asked for 5 day custody of P Chidambaram
CBI has asked for 5 day custody of P Chidambaram.
INX Media Case: P. Chidambaram produced in CBI court; hearing begins. https://t.co/0q8HjenRai
- ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2019
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram to be taken to CBI court soon, Karti Chidambaram and Mr Chidambaram's wife are already in the court along with lawyers.
P Chidambaram Arrest: Mamata Banerjee questions the way the Congress leader was arrested
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has come out in support of Mr Chidambaram. "Process (of arrest) is incorrect. Way it was handled is sad," she said.
INX Media Case: P Chidambaram will be produced in the CBI court at 4 pm today
INX Media Case: CBI officials have finished interrogation of P Chidambaram. The investigation in the INX media case is being led by R. Parthasarathy. On Wednesday, Mr Parthasarathy scaled the walls of Mr Chidambaram's home and emerged with the senior Congress leader, half an hour later, and drove him away to the agency's headquarters.
Kapil Sibal: It's a matter of great concern to us as members of legal fraternity, also it should be a matter of concern as citizens. All we wanted was a hearing,the presiding judge chose instead to say that I am sending the file to CJI. Isn't a citizen entitled to be heard? pic.twitter.com/mzQzyZbRTe
- ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2019
Watch | "A seasoned man with 40 years of dedication to public life has been arrested on the statement of a jailed woman who is being charged of murdering her own daughter": Congress on #PChidambaram's arrest
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 22, 2019
More here: https://t.co/D82osxBVIm#INXMediaCase pic.twitter.com/JfKni5NaRF
P Chidambaram Arrest: "CBI, ED being used as government's personal revenge-seeking department": Congress
- The case has been lodged 9 years later... he has been arrested 11 years later... this is being done by the CBI, which is being used as government's personal revenge-seeking department.
- Apart from wanting to tarnish the image and reputation of the honorable and respected former union minister, there was no other reason to send the CBI and ED and arrest him from his home in the manner in which it was done.
- The person and company which is central to the case is roaming freely - both in and out of the country. The signing authority of the FIPB is roaming freely.... But a person who has nothing to do with the FIPB has been arrested.
Congress briefing on P Chidambaram's arrest
The Congress is holding a press conference on senior leader P Chidambaram's arrest. "The vindictive and malicious manner in which former Home and Finance minister has been persecuted and prosecuted shows malice by the Modi government. This happens while the economy is suffering and the rupee has been the worst performing currency," Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said.
"Only time I met Indrani Mukerjea was during CBI interrogation: Karti Chidambaram
Karti Chidambaram, who has been accused of using his father's position to get foreign funds into INX Media -- a company founded by Peter and Indrani Mukerjea, has denied any meeting with Ms Mukerjea. "Have never met Indrani Mukherjea, only time I met her was during CBI interrogation. Never met anyone in FIPB, don't know the process of FIPB," he said.
Karti Chidambaram said that his father was being targeted for his opposition to the government. "I was summoned 20 times, raided four times. They still don't have a case," he told reporters as he arrived at the Delhi airport this morning from Chennai.
A video of Mr Chidambaram at the opening of the very building where he was kept in custody last night - the CBI headquarters in central Delhi -- has been in wide circulation.
#WATCH ANI file footage: The then Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram at the inauguration of the new Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in Delhi on June 30, 2011. Chidambaram was arrested by CBI yesterday and brought to this complex. pic.twitter.com/ikuxIzaSyF
- ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2019
On June 30, 2011, Mr Chidambaram, the Home Minister at the time, was a special guest as then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated the new complex.
The senior leader is seen on the stage along with colleagues like Kapil Sibal and Veerappa Moily.
P Chidambaram spent night in CBI building he inaugurated in 2011
P Chidambaram spent the night at the CBI headquarters after a dramatic arrest last evening. Mr Chidambaram was put up in "Lock-up suite 3" of the CBI building, which was inaugurated in 2011 in his presence; as Home Minister of the Congress-led government at the time, he was special guest and, along with then prime minister Manmohan Singh, was taken on a tour of the building and its lock-up facilities.
Formal questioning of Mr Chidambaram will start after 10 AM by the investigation team led by Parthasarathy, Dy SP.
After questioning, the Congress leader will be produced at Special CBI Court, Rouse Avenue post 12 noon.
"Law is above you": BJP's Tejasvi Surya on arrest
One of the first political reactions to Mr Chidambaram's arrest came from Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya. "Howsoever mighty you may be, the law is above you," he tweeted.
Union Minister Babul Supriyo later mocked Mr Chidambaram in a tweet for speaking on liberty during a press meet held at the Congress headquarters that evening. "Heard the Press Con @PChidambaram_IN ji held today at the @INCIndia HQ !He stressed about 'Liberty' ! Wonder if he was talking about the 'Liberty' to launder Money or evade arrest or is it the 'Liberty' to be entitled to be auto-exonerated of any wrongdoing bcoz he's from Congress!" he tweeted.
P Chidambaram Statement: "Between Life And Liberty, I Pick Liberty"
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Hours before his arrest, Mr Chidambaram addressed at the Congress headquarters to present an explanation and an appeal of sorts. He said if given a choice between life and liberty, he would choose liberty. "I believe the foundation of democracy is liberty. If asked to choose between life and liberty, I would choose liberty," said the senior Congress leader who was not seen in public since the Delhi High court refused to protect him from arrest on Tuesday.
"All we wanted is a hearing. No one is running away," he added.
"I was aghast that I was accused of hiding from the law," said the 73-year-old. He was pursuing the law and that he has faith in the law "even if it is applied by an unequal hand" by the investigative agencies, he said.
"I was working alongside my lawyers whole of last night... and the whole day," Mr Chidambaram said, explaining his absence from the public eye.
"Respect for the law can mean only one thing -- await (the Supreme Court's) decision on Friday... Until Friday, let's hope the lamp of liberty will shine bright," he said in what was seen as a message to the investigative agencies that have been pursuing him since Tuesday evening.
P Chidambaram was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday evening after high drama outside his South Delhi home.
