Delhi HC Defers Hearing in Karti Chidambaram's Bribery Case

The Delhi High Court postponed the hearing of Karti Chidambaram's plea to quash a CBI FIR in the Diageo bribery case. Allegations involve lifting duty-free sales bans in exchange for bribes. The next hearing is on August 12, 2025, due to the public prosecutor's request.

In a significant development, the Delhi High Court on Monday deferred the hearing on Congress MP Karti P. Chidambaram's petition to annul an FIR from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning a bribery case linked to Diageo Scotland. Originally scheduled for review by Justice Ravinder Dudeja, the case has been rescheduled to August 12, 2025, following an adjournment request from the public prosecutor, citing logistical challenges.

The allegations suggest that Chidambaram engaged in a conspiracy to remove barriers against the duty-free sale of whisky by Diageo Scotland, in exchange for bribes through falsified consultancy contracts and stock transactions. Chidambaram has robustly contested these accusations, arguing that the FIR, which charges him under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, is both illegal and procedurally deficient, lacking necessary prior approvals mandated by the law.

The plea also emphasizes procedural lapses, noting Chidambaram was not invited to the preliminary inquiry and that the FIR does not specify any public servants influenced by him. Additionally, Chidambaram challenges the delay in FIR filing and the absence of prima facie evidence, whereas the CBI argues their inquiry exposed dubious payments to Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt. Ltd., allegedly linked to Chidambaram.

(With inputs from agencies.)