AgustaWestland: CBI Court dismisses Christian Michel’s interim bail plea to celebrate Easter

A Special CBI Court today dismissed an interim bail application by British Businessman Christian Michel..Michel had moved the interim bail plea to celebrate Easter with his family. Additionally, medical checkup from a private hospital and legal interview were also cited as grounds for securing an interim bail..The order was passed by CBI Judge Arvind Kumar. .Counsel for Michel, Advocate Vishnu Shankar submitted that since chargesheet in the case was already on record, there were no chances of evidence tampering. He further stated that Michel has been cooperating with the investigation..The Court was also informed that Michel was in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate even during Christmas week in December 2018. He was interrogated even on the Christmas day and was not allowed to attend Mass during Christmas, it was added..Michel’s interim bail plea was opposed by Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh who argued that granting interim bail on grounds of festival/holy days would cause chaos..It was also informed that Rule 1140 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 promotes the celebration of all main festivals of all religions. However, no special treatment could be given to a prisoner. Thus, the celebration of a festival could not be a ground for interim bail..It was further submitted that Michel was already getting medical service and legal assistance/interview in terms of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018..Stating that the investigation was at a crucial stage, the Investigating Agency also raised apprehensions of evidence tampering..After hearing the parties, the Court concluded that there were no grounds to grant interim bail to Michel..Christian Michel is accused of having entered into as many as 12 contracts with AgustaWestland to legitimize the illicit commission/kickbacks amounting to Euro 42.27 million received on the procurement of VVIP helicopters by the Government of India..After being extradited to India from Dubai, Michel was produced before the CBI Court on December 5, and sent to CBI custody for five days. On subsequent hearings, the custody was extended for another five days, and then for four more days. On December 22, he was sent to seven days’ ED custody by the CBI Court..Christian Michel was sent to judicial custody on January 5..Read the order:.Bar & Bench is available on WhatsApp. For real-time updates on stories, Click here to subscribe to our WhatsApp.

AgustaWestland: CBI Court dismisses Christian Michel’s interim bail plea to celebrate Easter

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