A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B Varale directed the CBI to submit its reply within four weeks. Michel, who was extradited to India in December 2018, has remained in custody since then.
![[AgustaWestland Chopper Scam Case] Apex Court Seeks CBI Response To Bail Plea By Christian Michel](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-7-3.png?resize=820%2C461&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday (6th Dec) sought a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding a bail plea filed by British national Christian James Michel in connection with the AgustaWestland chopper scam case.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B Varale directed the CBI to submit its reply within four weeks. Michel, who was extradited to India in December 2018, has remained in custody since then.
This appeal follows the Delhi High Court’s denial of his bail plea on September 25. The petition was filed through advocate Aljo K Joseph. Earlier, a Delhi trial court had also rejected Michel’s plea for release.
Michel is alleged to have signed twelve contracts with AgustaWestland to legitimize illicit commissions or kickbacks amounting to €42.27 million, linked to the procurement of VVIP helicopters by the Government of India. The CBI estimates the total bribes to be around $33 million, funneled through bank accounts in the UK and UAE.
Michel’s legal team includes advocates Aljo K Joseph, Sriram Parakkat, and MS Vishnu Shankar. Notably, the Supreme Court had previously dismissed his bail applications in February and March 2023.
The AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has been one of the most high-profile corruption cases in India in recent years. The deal, signed in 2010, was intended to strengthen India’s defense capabilities, but allegations of corruption surfaced in 2013. The scandal has seen multiple high-level arrests and investigations in both India and Italy, where Finmeccanica’s former executives have also faced legal action.
The case gained international attention due to the involvement of multiple foreign nationals, including Christian Michel, and the magnitude of the bribes allegedly paid to secure the contract.
“This case pertains not only to national interests but also to international collaboration in the fight against corruption.”
-an official familiar with the case had remarked earlier.
The CBI has continued its investigation into the broader ramifications of the scam, which include allegations of top defense officials and political figures being bribed to influence the outcome of the helicopter purchase. The ED’s investigation has been focused on tracing the flow of funds and ensuring that the proceeds of crime are identified and recovered.
Christian Michel has previously sought relief from the Supreme Court, arguing that his long pre-trial detention amounted to a violation of his rights. However, the Supreme Court, along with the lower courts, has repeatedly denied his bail applications. The apex court stressed the seriousness of the charges against him and expressed concerns that his release could “hinder the investigation process.”
Case Title: (Christian James Michel vs Central Bureau of Investigation)
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