Supreme Court Grants Bail to Christian Michel in VVIP Chopper Case Amid CBI Trial Delays
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 18, the Supreme Court granted bail to British arms middleman Christian Michel after six years in custody related to the AgustaWestland chopper scam, criticizing the CBI for its delays in the trial process.
Key Takeaways
- Christian Michel granted bail by Supreme Court.
- Criticism directed at CBI for trial delays.
- Investigation ongoing despite multiple charge sheets.
- Bail conditions to be set by trial court.
- Estimated loss to exchequer cited as Rs 2,666 crore.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) After being incarcerated for six years, British alleged arms intermediary Christian James Michel was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Tuesday in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper scam. The bench criticized the CBI for its prolonged delay in the trial.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the CBI's objections to the bail, arguing that the investigation was still ongoing. They remarked, "Given your past conduct, it appears you will not complete the trial in another 25 years."
Demonstrating dissatisfaction with the CBI's handling of the case, the court stated, "Even after submitting three charge sheets and two supplementary charge sheets, the investigation remains incomplete… We are inclined to grant bail with conditions as determined by the trial court."
The apex court also acknowledged the argument presented by Michel's attorney, who contended that the CBI was unjustly attempting to keep him in custody until they obtained documents from various countries.
Michel was taken into custody in December 2018 following his extradition from Dubai and was placed in judicial custody on January 5, 2019.
He is identified as a 'middleman' in the supposed illicit transactions related to the procurement of 12 VVIP choppers from AgustaWestland during the UPA government in 2010.
On Tuesday, the apex court granted him bail with the stipulation that he must renew his passport and subsequently surrender it.
The Supreme Court also indicated that the conditions of Michel's bail would be established by the trial court, which may take into account the CBI's request for imposing conditions prior to his release.
The CBI claimed that the deal, signed on February 8, 2010, resulted in an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (approximately Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer for the supply of VVIP choppers valued at 556.262 million euros.
The ED subsequently filed a charge sheet against Michel in June 2016, accusing him of receiving 30 million euros (Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.
Previously, Michel sought bail from the Delhi High Court, but his application, submitted on September 25, 2024, was denied. He later appealed to the apex court for bail.
