AgustaWestland Scam: Delhi High Court Seeks Answers on Christian Michel's Release Plea

Well, it seems the AgustaWestland chopper scam saga continues to unfold, with a fresh development from the Delhi High Court. The court has recently issued notices to both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), demanding their responses to a petition filed by Christian Michel James, who many consider the alleged middleman in this high-profile case.

Christian Michel James, who has been in custody since December 2018 after being extradited from Dubai, is once again knocking on the court's door, petitioning for his release. His argument, in essence, boils down to a fundamental question of fairness and a legal concept known as the 'principle of parity.' Think of it this way: if others implicated in the same broad conspiracy are out on bail, some even on statutory bail, then why should he remain behind bars?

During the recent hearing before Justice Amit Sharma, Michel's legal representative, Aljo K Joseph, emphasized this point repeatedly. He highlighted that several co-accused, including Gautam Khaitan and Sanjeev Tyagi, have already been granted bail, some even on statutory grounds, meaning they were released because the investigating agencies failed to file a chargesheet within the stipulated time. It’s a compelling argument, suggesting an uneven application of justice, at least from Michel’s perspective.

It's a long road he's been on, mind you. Michel was brought back to India five years ago, facing charges from both the CBI, which focuses on criminal conspiracy and cheating in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper deal, and the ED, which is investigating the money laundering aspect of the alleged kickbacks. Since then, he's been embroiled in a continuous legal battle for his freedom.

This isn't his first attempt at securing bail, not by a long shot. His previous applications, both at the trial court level and within the High Court itself, have faced rejection. Even the Supreme Court, at one point, denied his plea related to his fundamental right to a speedy trial, acknowledging his prolonged incarceration but not granting the desired relief. So, one can only imagine the persistence required to keep fighting for release.

So, what does this latest 'notice' from the Delhi High Court signify? It means the court wants to hear directly and definitively from the investigating agencies – the CBI and ED – on why Michel shouldn't be granted the same relief as his co-accused. They've been given until March 13, 2024, to submit their detailed responses. It’s a crucial step, potentially setting the stage for another significant decision in this intricate legal saga. We'll all be watching to see how this complex legal dance unfolds next.