New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) - The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding a petition from Congress MP Karti P. Chidambaram, who is contesting a trial court's decision to frame charges against him in the alleged Chinese visa scam case.

After a brief hearing, a single-judge Bench led by Justice Manoj Jain acknowledged Chidambaram’s petition for criminal revision and a request to halt the trial proceedings.

Chidambaram's senior counsel, Siddharth Luthra, argued that the necessary elements for charges under Sections 8 and 9 of the Prevention of Corruption Act are missing, asserting that charges cannot be upheld without the involvement of a public servant.

Additionally, he noted that the trial court framed a charge under Section 204 IPC (destruction of evidence) without adequate substantiation.

During the hearing, as Luthra requested a stay on the trial court's actions, the Delhi High Court indicated it would first solicit a response from the CBI before deliberating on the interim relief sought.

The case is scheduled for further discussion on February 12, with the Special Public Prosecutor for the CBI appearing on prior notice and asking for time to submit a brief response and status report.

Previously, multiple judges including Justices Swarana Kanta Sharma, Anup Jairam Bhambhani, and Girish Kathpalia had recused themselves from hearing Chidambaram's case.

In his revision petition, Chidambaram is contesting a December 23, 2025 order from a special CBI court that charged him with criminal conspiracy and bribing a public servant over alleged irregularities in Chinese visa issuances in 2011.

The charges extend to several others involved, while one accused, Chetan Shrivastava, was discharged.

The CBI claims the case concerns improper visa practices from 2011, contravening Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines.

It is alleged that visas for approximately 250 Chinese workers were improperly reused during a power plant project in Punjab.

Central to the allegations is Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL), affiliated with the Vedanta group, which was developing a power project in Mansa, Punjab.

The CBI claims that TSPL provided an illegal payment of Rs 50 lakh to Bell Tools Limited, which was then funneled to Bhaskararaman, to facilitate visa approvals and renewals beyond permissible limits.

Moreover, it is alleged that this payment was made to secure approvals from the Ministry of Home Affairs when Chidambaram's father, P. Chidambaram, held the position of Union Home Minister.