On February 18, 2024, the Supreme Court of India granted bail to British arms consultant Christian James Michel, who was extradited in 2018 in connection with the AgustaWestland chopper scam. A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta passed the order while hearing Michel’s plea against the Delhi High Court's refusal to grant him bail in September 2024. As the bail condition, the Supreme Court ordered Michel to renew and surrender his passport.

Initially the hearing was held in the morning session but the counsel for the CBI sought time, arguing that Michel’s plea was based on medical grounds. Consequently, the matter was kept to be heard after lunch. However, after lunch, the Supreme Court questioned the prolonged trial delays. Justice Nath asked why Michel should remain in custody after six years despite multiple chargesheets and a completed investigation. Justice Mehta criticized the prosecution’s inefficiency, suggesting their approach could stall the trial for another 25 years.

The counsel for CBI defended its stance, emphasizing Michel’s extradition and Indian jurisdiction. However, the court remained unconvinced, pointing out that the trial had not begun despite three chargesheets and two supplementary chargesheets. Michel’s counsel argued that delays were due to pending documents from various countries, placing an unfair burden on him rather than the authorities.

Rejecting the CBI’s request for more time, the Supreme Court granted Michel bail while allowing the prosecution to continue its probe. The Supreme Court ordered the trial court to determine the bail conditions, with the CBI permitted to request specific terms before his release.

Michel was arrested in December 2018 after being extradited from Dubai and is accused of being a ‘middleman’ in the VVIP chopper scam. The CBI alleged that the 2010 deal for VVIP helicopters, worth €556.262 million, caused a loss of €398.21 million (Rs 2,666 crore) to the Indian exchequer. In June 2016, the Enforcement Directorate filed a chargesheet, claiming Michel received €30 million (Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

Case Title: Christian James Michel Vs Central Bureau Of Investigation|SLP(Crl) No.17016/2024

For Petitioner :Mr. Aljo K. Joseph, Mr. Sheikh Mohsin, Mr. Vishnu Shankar & Ors

For Respondents :Mrs. Archana Pathak Dave, Mr. Nachiketa Joshi, Mr. Mukesh Kumar Maroria & Ors.