New Delhi, Dec 23 (NationPress) A Delhi court on Tuesday dismissed a request made by British citizen and alleged intermediary Christian Michel James for alterations to specific bail conditions in a corruption case associated with the purported AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scandal.

In a decision that provides some relief, Special Judge Sanjay Jindal of the Rouse Avenue Courts ruled that Michel could be released without the immediate need to deposit his passport. Nonetheless, the court instructed the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to monitor and ensure that Michel does not exit the country. Additionally, the court mandated the British High Commission to retain any new passport issued to Michel until it is submitted to the trial court.

The court's ruling stemmed from Michel's appeal for a reconsideration of certain bail terms, arguing that he was unable to attain his release even after having been granted bail previously due to the stringent conditions imposed.

“I doubt this order will provide any real relief to Michel. The legal intricacies have increased because of the directive to release him. Without the necessary documentation, how can Michel be freed?” commented Michel's lawyer, Aljo K Joseph, to IANS. A special court had recently ordered Michel's release in a money laundering case, noting his commitment to participate in the trial if released from detention.

The Special Court (PMLA) observed that Michel has spent nearly seven years in custody during the trial, which is equivalent to the maximum penalty for the alleged offenses.

Expressing his contentment with the ruling, Michel previously stated that “the law prevailed”. However, he remained unable to leave jail as the request for modifying bail conditions in the CBI case was still unresolved.

Michel is implicated in the Rs 3,600 crore alleged scam concerning the acquisition of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland, facing multiple charges including corruption, criminal conspiracy, and money laundering.

He was extradited to India from the UAE on December 5, 2018, subsequently being arrested by the CBI and the ED. Since then, he has been held in judicial custody at Tihar Jail.

The CBI has asserted that the agreement, signed on February 8, 2010, for the delivery of 12 VVIP helicopters valued at approximately Rs 3,600 crore, resulted in a loss of around Rs 2,666 crore to the exchequer. Simultaneously, the ED has accused Michel of accepting kickbacks totaling 30 million euros (approximately Rs 225 crore).