AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper Scam: Christian Michel Set for Release as Delhi Court Modifies Bail Terms in CBI Case

A Delhi court on Tuesday cleared the way for the release of British national Christian Michel in a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation by easing two bail conditions imposed earlier.The

Rouse Avenue Court modified its previous order to allow Michel’s release without requiring him to immediately deposit his passport. The court, however, put safeguards in place to ensure that he does not leave the country.Under the revised directions, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) has been asked to ensure that Michel remains in India. The court also directed the British High Commission to ensure that Michel’s passport is submitted directly to the court.

The court further allowed Michel to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh along with a cash surety of Rs 5 lakh. Earlier, the court had required him to provide a personal bond and a surety bond of Rs 5 lakh each.While granting the modification, the court clarified that all other conditions imposed by the Supreme Court would continue to remain in force. Any violation of the bail conditions would invite appropriate action, the court said.Michel’s counsel, advocate Aljo Joseph, said the court has allowed his release without the immediate submission of a passport, though several clarifications are still required on that aspect. As far as the Enforcement Directorate case is concerned, he said Michel has already completed the maximum possible sentence.

Michel, accused of being a 'middleman' in the defence deal, was extradited from Dubai in December 2018, after which the CBI arrested him and filed a chargesheet against him. The Enforcement Directorate also arrested him and charged him in a related money laundering probe.The AgustaWestland case centres on alleged irregularities and kickbacks paid to former defence ministry officials to secure a contract for 12 VVIP helicopters from the British-Italian firm.Michel has been accused in the two cases filed by the ED and the CBI in the alleged scam. He had filed applications in both cases seeking custodial release.On Saturday (December 20), a Delhi court ordered Michel's from custody in the money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) related to the alleged AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam.Special CBI judge Sanjay Jindal, who was hearing the plea filed by Michel seeking release from custody in the case filed by ED, noted that he has been accused of the offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act that is punishable up to seven years of imprisonment and that he has already been in custody for the last seven years.