Anil Ambani Submits Affidavit to Supreme Court, Vows Not to Leave India Without Permission
In a significant development, Anil Ambani, the head of the ADAG group, has formally undertaken before the Supreme Court that he will not leave the country without its explicit permission. This move aims to address concerns raised about him potentially fleeing India to avoid the consequences of an ongoing probe into the alleged siphoning of Rs 40,000 crore from bank loans to ADAG companies.
Ambani's Oath and Travel Restrictions
During the court proceedings on Thursday, Ambani stated on oath, "I state on oath that I have not left India since July 2025, since the inception of the present investigations, and presently, have no plans or intention to travel outside India." His counsel, Mukul Rohatgi, highlighted the multiple 'lookout circulars' that have been secured to prevent Ambani from leaving India, reinforcing the seriousness of the situation.
Background of the Allegations and Legal Concerns
The case gained momentum when retired IAS officer EAS Sarma, represented by counsel Prashant Bhushan, informed a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on February 4. Sarma argued that given the extensive scale and spread of the alleged fraud involving ADAG companies, Ambani, as the principal accused, might attempt to leave the country, similar to other high-profile cases. This prompted the court to seek assurances regarding his travel plans.
Ambani's Detailed Undertaking and Cooperation Pledge
In response, Ambani submitted an affidavit with specific commitments. He declared, "It is further undertaken that in the event any requirement of foreign travel arises, I shall seek prior leave and permission of the Supreme Court before undertaking any such travel." Additionally, he affirmed his full cooperation with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in their ongoing investigations.
Upcoming ED Appearance and Past Summons
Ambani disclosed that he has been summoned to appear before the ED on February 26. In his affidavit, he stated, "I undertake to appear and join the investigation on the said date. I further undertake to fully cooperate with authorities, while ensuring procedural clarity and preventing any suggestion of evasion or selective presentation of facts by the petitioner (Sarma)." The 66-year-old industrialist last appeared before the ED on August 5 last year but has since avoided subsequent summons, including one on February 18, raising questions about his compliance.
Supreme Court's Directives and Monitoring of Probes
The Supreme Court has taken a proactive stance in this matter. It has directed the CBI to register separate First Information Reports (FIRs) for each alleged instance of money siphoning from bank loans. The court emphasized that it will continue to monitor the investigations conducted by both the CBI and the ED closely. Furthermore, the court has instructed these agencies to file fresh status reports within four weeks, ensuring transparency and accountability in the probe process.
This case underscores the heightened scrutiny on corporate fraud and the legal mechanisms in place to prevent evasion by accused individuals. Ambani's undertakings mark a critical step in addressing public and judicial concerns, as the investigations into the alleged Rs 40,000 crore fraud continue to unfold.
