Bombay HC summons P Chidambaram, two top bureaucrats in 63 moons defamation case

The Bombay High Court last week summoned former Finance Minister P Chidambaram and top IAS officers, Ramesh Abhishek and KP Krishnan in the Rs. 10,000 crore suit filed by 63 moons technologies Limited [formerly known as Financial Technologies (India) Ltd]..63 moons has alleged that Chidambaram, along with the two bureaucrats had caused losses worth Rs. 10,000 crore to Financial Technologies (India) Ltd by way of an alleged conspiracy to engineer payment default crisis to protect defendant NSEL..KP Krishnan serves as the Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, whereas Ramesh Abhishek is currently the Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Internal Trade..In its plea, 63 moons technologies has sought payment of damages and compensation for the alleged “malicious and mala fide actions” by the three individuals..The plea made by 63 moons also calls on the Court to direct the three individuals to disclose their assets, properties, and bank account statements for the last three years. Further, it has also been prayed that the Court issue a temporary injunction to prevent them from alienating their properties..After admitting the plea, the Court has now summoned the three individuals to appear before the judge in chambers on October 15. The summoning order passed on July 24, states,.“You are hereby summoned to appear before the Judge in Chambers to answer the plaintiff’s claim on the 15th Day of October, 2019 in the forenoon, either in person or by an Advocate entitled to practice in this Hon’ble Court duly instructed and able to answer all material questions relating to the present Suit, or shall be accompanied by some other person able to answer all such questions,” .The order also warns that the matter will be decided ex-parte if the summoned individuals fail to appear as ordered..“Take notice that If you fail to file your appearance in person or in Vakalatnama and Written Statement as directed above, or if you fail to appear before the Judge on the day before mentioned, the present Suit may be ordered to be set down on Board on the same day or any subsequent day as ‘undefended’ and you will be liable to have a decree or order passed against you.“.[Read Order]