Christian Michel Granted Bail in VVIP Chopper Deal Case, Raises Safety Concerns
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Friday set bail conditions for Christian Michel James, an accused in the controversial VVIP chopper deal case. The court directed him to furnish a personal bond of ₹5 lakh along with one surety of the same amount. However, Michel expressed concerns about his safety outside jail and stated that he preferred to remain in custody for security reasons.
Court Directives on Bail Conditions
Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal of the Rouse Avenue Court outlined specific conditions for Michel’s release, in line with the Supreme Court’s directions. The court ordered him to surrender his passport before the court. Since his passport has already expired, Michel has been instructed to apply for a new one through the British High Commission as per standard procedures. Additionally, he must provide his residential address in Delhi.
Michel, a British national, was granted bail by the Supreme Court in the case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and by the Delhi High Court in the related money laundering case. His release follows years of legal proceedings linked to alleged corruption in the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal.
Michel’s Security Concerns
Despite being granted bail, Michel has raised apprehensions about his safety outside jail. He has conveyed his preference to remain in custody due to perceived threats. The court has acknowledged his concerns but has not made any immediate changes to the bail conditions.
Michel was extradited to India from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December 2018 and has been in custody since then. He is accused of playing a key role in alleged irregularities and bribery linked to the ₹3,600 crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, which involved the purchase of 12 helicopters for VVIP transport.
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
As part of the bail process, Michel must comply with all court directives, including the renewal of his passport. He will also need to inform the authorities about his residence in India. His legal team is expected to address his security concerns while ensuring adherence to the court’s conditions.
The VVIP chopper deal case remains a significant corruption investigation in India, with multiple accused individuals facing legal scrutiny. Michel’s release on bail marks a crucial development, but his concerns over safety and legal battles continue to shape the proceedings.
