Karti Chidambaram Chinese Visa Scam Case Faces Judicial Hurdle as HC Judge Recuses Self
Delhi High Court judge recuses from Karti Chidambaram's plea challenging corruption charges in Chinese visa scam case.
The Delhi High Court on Friday saw a sudden judicial recusal as Justice Girish Kathpalia stepped aside from hearing Congress MP Karti Chidambaram’s petition in the alleged Chinese visa scam case. Justice Kathpalia cited personal reasons, stating, “I don’t think I would be able to hear this,” and ordered the matter to be listed before another bench. The case will next be heard on January 28.
This marks the third judicial recusal in the case, following earlier orders by Justices Swarana Kanta Sharma and Anup J Bhambhani, highlighting procedural delays in a high-profile trial that has attracted nationwide attention. Both prior recusals were also based on the judges’ inability to continue the proceedings for unspecified reasons.
The case pertains to alleged bribery and corruption linked to facilitating Chinese visas for Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) executives in 2011, when Karti’s father, P. Chidambaram, was the Union Home Minister. The CBI filed a chargesheet in October 2024 after a two-year investigation, naming Karti, his alleged associate S Bhaskararaman, TSPL, and related entities.
Also Read: Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Insulting Netaji and Distorting History
In December 2025, the trial court framed charges of criminal conspiracy and corruption against Karti Chidambaram and six others under IPC Section 120B and Sections 8 and 9 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court noted that there was prima facie evidence to proceed, alleging attempts to extract bribes linked to visa facilitation for Chinese nationals.
Karti Chidambaram’s plea challenges the trial court’s decision, arguing that there is no direct or circumstantial evidence of any bribe or conspiracy. His petition claims that routine visa processes were misrepresented as criminal acts and that the court ignored key documents and witness statements supporting his innocence.
The CBI’s chargesheet alleges that TSPL, a Vedanta subsidiary, faced project delays on a 1980 MW thermal power plant and approached Karti through his close associate for administrative favors. The recusal adds another layer of delay to the high-stakes case, which continues to draw political and media scrutiny nationwide.
Also Read: #JustIn: Activists Claim Iran Protest Death Toll Crosses 5,000 Including 43 Children
