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New Delhi, February 26, 2026 — India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has submitted prosecution sanction orders before the Rouse Avenue Special Court against former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram in connection with alleged money laundering linked to the Aircel-Maxis and INX Media cases. Officials stated that the move is intended to expedite trial proceedings in these long-standing matters.
According to the agency’s submissions, the case involves foreign direct investment proposals, including one application amounting to approximately USD 800 million. Investigators allege that while such proposals exceeding prescribed thresholds were ordinarily subject to clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, approval was instead granted through the Foreign Investment Promotion Board under circumstances now under scrutiny. The ED has described these approvals as irregular and part of a larger conspiracy.
The agency further claims that illegal gratification totaling about Rs 11.6 million was received by Karti P Chidambaram, son of the former minister, through companies linked to him, including Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd and Chess Management Services Pvt Ltd. Investigators have also pointed to financial transactions between father and son, alleging that certain funds from these entities were utilized for expenses purportedly incurred on behalf of the former minister.
Officials emphasized that efforts are underway to fast-track proceedings so that the trial can move forward without undue delay. The cases have remained under legal and political scrutiny for several years, with multiple proceedings running in parallel. The court will now examine the prosecution sanction and determine the next course of action in accordance with due process of law.
The matter remains sub judice, and all allegations are subject to judicial determination.
