CBI opposes Karti Chidambaram's plea against lookout notice

Chennai: Opposing the plea of Karti Chidambaram, son of former Union Minister P. Chidambaram, against the lookout notice issued against him, the CBI has informed Madras high court that the government, after Vijay Mallya case, has specifically instructed the department of immigration to monitor movement of persons involved in economic offences and ensure that they do not abscond the
country.

Additional solicitor general G. Rajagopal made this submission when the petition filed by Karti Chidambaram came up for hearing before Justice M. Duraiswamy.
Senior counsel Satish Parasaran, appearing for Karti Chidambaram objected to the comparison.

“The government is harassing the petitioner through such circulars which are usually issued against terrorists and absconding criminals. The petitioner is very much available. He was constantly replying to the summons. Even during the date of issuing LOC, the petitioner was right below the nose of CBI, challenging the FIR in the high court,” he added.

Rajagopal said the petitioner has so far never appeared before the investigating agency. He was evading appearance by citing some reasons. Let him appear or give an undertaking through an affidavit to the court that he would not leave the country. The entire issue would be sorted out, he added.

When Satish pointed out that even a copy of the LOC has been refused to the petitioner, Rajagopal said it was a confidential document which cannot be shared.

However, the judge said the accused was entitled to a copy of LOC. If this was the stand of CBI, he would issue interim direction to provide a copy. After the judge passed an interim order, ASG provided a copy of LOC to the petitioner. Recording the same, the judge posted to August 10, further hearing of the case.