SC Extends Chidambaram’s CBI Custody Till Sep 5

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that former union minister P Chidambaram will have to stay in CBI custody till Thursday ordering that 'status quo' be maintained in the case.

Thetop court had extended Chidambaram's CBI custody on Monday after his lawyerappealed that the 74-year old leader should not be sent to Tihar Jail- theusual procedure when one does not get bail after police custody expires.

Today'sextension came after the agency told the top court that the senior Congressleader's 15 day custody expires on September 5. The investigation agencyadmitted that they have made a wrong statement on Monday. Moreover, a bench of JusticesR Banumathi and AS Bopanna who asked the former minister to apply for bailbefore the special court yesterday said that they are conscious that theyshould not usurp the jurisdiction of the concerned trial court.

Thejudges further stated that they would hear the case on Thursday and meanwhile,status quo should be maintained and the court will deliver its verdict onChidambaram's appeal for protection from arrest in a case filed by theEnforcement Directorate on the same day.

SolicitorGeneral Tushar Mehta, while appearing for the agency also said with the matterbeing listed for hearing at 3.30 pm, the agency got less than 24 hours noticeto respond to the interim bail plea.

He furthersaid that the plea was filed 13 days after Chidambaram's arrest and this shouldnot be the procedure.