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In a notable twist to the financial wrangles between Anil Ambani and the ridge of Reliance Group companies, the former chairman of the Reliance Group submitted a personal undertaking on February 19, 2026, before the Supreme Court, assuring the apex court that he would not leave the country without seeking permission first in case contempt proceedings and any other investigation continued against him.

The undertaking was filed at a hearing conducted before a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, which is overseeing compliance in several cases that are associated with Reliance Communications (RCom) and Reliance Capital as well as other group companies. These are cases of money siphoning and not satisfying creditors, as well as going against previous court decisions concerning repayment of guaranteed incidence to banks, bondholders, and Ericsson (in the notorious 550 crore contempt case).

Mukul Rohatgi, a senior advocate representing Anil Ambani, filed a sworn affidavit where the businessman says:

I also promise not to leave the land of India without the leave of this Honorable Court till the termination of the present proceedings and any other proceedings relating to the same transactions.

This action follows the increased investigations into so-called money laundering and money diversion by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) of various companies in the Reliance group. The ED previously impounded assets of the value of more than 1200 crore owned by the family members and Anil Ambani.

The Supreme Court had already shown serious displeasure towards the non-cooperation of Ambani and his inability to keep his promises as opposed to the hearings before. In December 2025, the bench had cautioned that such an action of leaving the country or transferring assets outside the country would be considered contempt of court.

At the hearing on Wednesday, the undertaking was noted by the bench, and the ED and other agencies were asked to provide status reports within the next four weeks. The court also ensured that the undertaking is binding and any breach would attract stern measures such as the possibility of an arrest.

The advisor of Anil Ambani claimed that the businessman has been cooperating with all the agencies and he does not want to escape. They emphasized the fact that he is already surrendering his passport pursuant to previous orders.

The action is considered a strategic measure that ensures that the investigations are not hampered by tightening travel restrictions or lookout circular (LOC). In the meantime, creditors and resolution people in the RCom bankruptcy case are pressing to have the dues recouped promptly.

The second hearing will be in the middle of March 2026. Up to the moment, Anil Ambani is staying in India and under scrutiny of the Supreme Court and investigating agencies.