The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Saturday (December 20) ordered the release of Christian Michel James in the money laundering case connected to the high-profile AugustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal. Notably, Michel will not be released immediately as he continues to remain in custody in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case arising out of the same transaction.
Special Judge (CBI) Sanjay Jindal passed the order after considering Michel’s plea that he has already spent over seven years in custody, which is the maximum sentence prescribed for the offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) invoked against him. The court noted that continued arrest beyond the maximum statutory punishment would violate established legal principles.
Christian Michel, a British citizen, was extradited to India in December 2018 and has since remained in custody. His counsel argued that despite the passage of nearly 12 years since the case was registered, the investigation has still not reached its logical conclusion.
At one point, the court directly asked the defence, “What do you want? Under what conditions can he be released from jail?” In response, Michel’s counsel assured the court that the accused would comply with all conditions imposed and would not evade the trial process.
Opposing the bail plea, Senior Advocate D.P. Singh, Special Public Prosecutor for the CBI, argued that Michel should not be released as there is a serious apprehension that he may flee the country if granted liberty. The prosecution maintained that Michel’s foreign nationality and the gravity of allegations warranted continued custody.
Despite the prosecution’s objections, the court granted bail in the money laundering case. Reacting to the order, Michel told reporters that he was “happy” with the decision and remarked that there are “good judges.” He also stated that he is in the process of organising his travel documents, even though his passport has expired during his incarceration.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had granted Michel bail in the CBI case, while the Delhi High Court had also granted bail in the money laundering matter. Both courts imposed conditions, including furnishing bail bonds of Rs 5 lakh in each case and surrendering his passport. However, Michel has not been able to furnish the bail bonds so far, and his continued custody in the CBI case has prevented his release.
The AugustaWestland case relates to the procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters worth around Rs 3,600 crore. The CBI registered the case in 2013, alleging that technical specifications, particularly the mandatory flying altitude, were manipulated to favour the Italian helicopter manufacturer. Investigators have further alleged that kickbacks amounting to nearly Rs 200 crore were paid to middlemen and influential individuals to secure the deal.
Christian Michel is accused of acting as a middleman in the transaction, allegedly facilitating illegal payments and laundering the proceeds through complex offshore structures. He has consistently denied the charges.
The court has now directed the CBI to file its detailed reply in the pending matter, with the next hearing scheduled for December 22. Until then, Michel will remain in custody, even as the legal battle in one of India’s most controversial defence procurement cases continues.
