Verdict Reserved in Christian Michel's AgustaWestland Bail Plea

The Delhi High Court is set to deliver its verdict on Christian Michel James's bail plea in the AgustaWestland money laundering case. Michel's counsel argued he has served significant jail time, while the ED countered he is a flight risk. The deal caused a major financial loss to India.

The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved its decision regarding the bail application of Christian Michel James, an alleged intermediary in the high-profile AgustaWestland money laundering case involving Rs 3,600 crore.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma reserved judgment after hearing arguments from both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Michel's legal team. The ED cited security concerns, describing Michel as a flight risk, while defending the denial of bail under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The case revolves around financial discrepancies linked to the procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters from Italian firm AgustaWestland. Michel, a UK national extradited from Dubai, has already spent over six years in prison. Despite having secured bail in the related CBI case, his involvement continues to unravel critical layers of this significant financial scandal.