Chidambaram moves SC seeking bail in INX Media corruption case

Former finance minister P Chidambaram Thursday moved the Supreme Court seeking bail in the INX Media corruption case saying his continuing incarceration is in the "form of punishment" and liberty of an individual cannot be denied on the basis of "anonymous and unverified allegations".

Chidambaram, who is lodged in Tihar jail in the case, has said that "bail is the rule, jail is the exception" and courts should frown upon the attempt of the prosecution to use judicial custody as "a kind of pre-trial punishment".

Citing "frail" health, the 74-year-old senior Congress leader has also said that he is not "accustomed" to food given to him in the jail and has lost 4 kg weight in during his judicial custody.

Challenging the Delhi High Court's September 30 verdict rejecting his bail plea, Chidambaram said he had never attempted to approach or influence any witnesses or accused in the case.

The high court had dismissed his bail plea saying the investigation was at an advanced stage and the possibility of his influencing the witnesses cannot be ruled out.

A Delhi court meanwhile extended his judicial custody in the case on Thursday to October 17
In his plea in the apex court, Chidambaram said, "Bail is the rule, jail is the exception. Arrest and custody are a humiliation and social stigma. The prosecution seems to think that prolonged judicial custody is a punishment they can impose on the Petitioner. Courts should frown upon the attempt of the prosecution to use judicial custody as a kind of pre-trial punishment."
The plea said, "It is submitted that petitioner (Chidambaram) is neither a shareholder or director in any of the said companies. There is not even an iota of evidence that the petitioner has any relation with the said companies or has received any money or illegal gratification."
He said that other accused in the case, including Karti, have already been granted bail or interim protection by the