Former Reliance promoter Anil Ambani on Thursday submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, undertaking that he will not leave India without the court’s prior permission. He also clarified that he is not involved in the day-to-day management of companies under investigation for alleged large-scale bank fraud.
The affidavit comes after the Supreme Court, in its February 4 order, expressed concern over delays in investigations by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) into alleged siphoning of public funds involving Reliance Communications and related group entities. Ambani stated that his role in these companies has been limited to that of a non-executive director.
Assurance of Cooperation with Investigating Agencies
In his affidavit, Anil Ambani reaffirmed that he has fully cooperated with the CBI and ED since the investigation began in July 2025. He undertook that if he needs to travel abroad for any reason, he will first seek permission from the Supreme Court. Ambani also confirmed he will appear before the ED on February 26 as summoned and continue to provide all required information and documents.
He emphasized that his affidavit was filed “to ensure clarity, completeness, and procedural transparency” and insisted that he is not a flight risk and has no intention of evading legal proceedings.
Supreme Court Presses Agencies Over Delays
The Supreme Court had earlier criticised the CBI and ED for an “unexplained delay” in probing the alleged fraud, which reportedly runs into tens of thousands of crores. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, stressed the need for a rigorous and comprehensive investigation and instructed agencies to act “fairly, swiftly and without fear or favour.”
The court also directed the agencies to take preventive steps to ensure that the probe is not frustrated. Procedural issues, such as sanction requirements, cannot be allowed to delay investigations where material indicates siphoning of funds and potential collusion.
(Also Read: Could the US Strike Iran This Weekend? Here’s the Latest)
Scale of the Alleged Fraud
According to the ED, multiple Reliance Group entities are under investigation:
- Reliance Home Finance Ltd: Allegedly defaulted on ₹7,523.46 crore from 33 lenders
- Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd: Alleged loan defaults of ₹8,226.05 crore from 21 lenders
- Reliance Communications and group companies: Outstanding dues exceeding ₹40,000 crore
The ED has registered three Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) and made arrests in connection with the matter. The CBI is also examining possible institutional complicity.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The Supreme Court will continue to monitor the investigation closely. The matter is expected to be listed again on March 10, after the CBI and ED submit detailed status reports. The court has made it clear that nothing should hinder the progress of the probe.
