Delhi Court Reserves Order on Christian Michel’s Bail Plea Modification

A Delhi court has reserved its order on a plea by British national Christian Michel James, a key figure in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case, seeking changes to certain bail conditions. Special Judge Sanjay Jindal of the Rouse Avenue Courts heard arguments from Michel’s counsel and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court is expected to announce its decision on Tuesday. Michel has raised concerns that existing bail conditions are hindering his release despite previous relief granted. The plea aims to alter these conditions to facilitate his release. Recently, a special court had ordered Michel’s release in a money laundering case, acknowledging his commitment to trial proceedings if released. Michel, a key accused in the Rs 3,600-crore helicopter scam, faces charges of corruption, criminal conspiracy, and money laundering. He was brought to India from the UAE in 2018 and has been in judicial custody at Tihar Jail since then. The CBI alleges that the helicopter deal led to a loss of about Rs 2,666 crore, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) accuses Michel of receiving kickbacks totaling 30 million euros.