The Enforcement Directorate has submitted the prosecution sanction order received against P. Chidambaram, the former Union Finance Minister, to the Special Court for money laundering in the Aircel Maxis deal. The order, obtained on February 10, 2026, aims to expedite the trial proceedings in the case. The investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act was initiated on October 9, 2011, by the ED following a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Aircel Maxis matter.
The investigation revealed that Chidambaram granted approval to Aircel Maxis in exchange for illegal gratification. The approval for foreign direct investment of $800 million was allegedly granted fraudulently by Chidambaram, who was only authorized to approve investments of Rs 600 crore or less. Financial transactions between P. Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram have also been uncovered. Illegal gratification of Rs 1.16 crore was allegedly received by Karti Chidambaram in his companies.
Proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 1.16 crore have been provisionally attached, and a prosecution complaint was filed against P. Chidambaram under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Enforcement Directorate has been working to expedite the trial, following a Supreme Court judgment that necessitated prosecution sanctions for complaints under the PMLA involving public servants.
