SC issues notices to two companies linked with Chidambaram's son Karti

SC issues notices to two companies linked with Chidambaram's son KartiThe Supreme Court of India on Thursday issued contempt notices to two companies, in which Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram holds extensive interests.

The notices were issued in response to a contempt petition filed by Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy who alleged that the two companies had filed a defamation lawsuit against him in Singapore to intimidate him and force him to stop pursuing the 2G scam case in India.

He had argued that the wholly-owned Singapore-based subsidy of Advantage Strategic Consulting India Ltd filed the defamation case against him even though the Supreme Court of India had directed that no 2G scam case be filed in any court other than the apex court.

Swamy had cited P Chidambaram, his son Karti and C. B. N. Reddy as respondents, but a bench of Justice G. S. Singhvi and Justice K. S. Singhvi issued notices only to the companies. The notices are returnable in twelve weeks.

Swamy said the only purpose of the defamation suit filed against him in Singapore was to obstruct him from working towards a corruption-free India. He added that defending his stance in Singapore would seriously impact his fight against corruption in India by filing public interest litigation (PIL) petitions and argue as petitioner in person.

The Janata Party President had been asked to appear before the Singapore court on 28th of August this year.

Swami urged the apex court of India that proceedings be initiated under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.