AgustaWestland chopper scam case: Christian Michel James demands release, court seeks reply from CBI
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has sought CBI’s response on the plea for release of Christian Michel James, accused in the AgustaWestland chopper scam. James claims that he has completed the maximum sentence in this case and has also got bail in other related CBI and ED cases. Special Judge (CBI) Sanjay Jindal, after hearing the initial arguments of the accused’s lawyer, directed the CBI to file its reply by December 22. James’s lawyer assured the court that if the accused is released from custody, he will participate fully in the trial.
During the hearing, Christian Michel James’ lawyer Aljo K. Joseph told the court that major investigating agencies are investigating the case, but this investigation has been going on for the last 12 years. He said James has been in custody for the last seven years while investigation into some aspects of his collusion is still pending. The court asked the lawyer on what conditions James could be released from jail. To this Joseph said that in any case it is not justified to keep a person in custody after completion of the sentence and it is the duty of the court to ensure release in such cases.
During the hearing, Christian Michel James’ lawyer assured the court that he would fully participate in the trial if he was released from custody. The lawyer said James has already served the maximum sentence for the charges against him. Furthermore, the lawyer also informed that Christian Michel James was extradited to India in December 2018.
On the other hand, CBI special government pleader senior advocate DP Singh opposed the arguments of accused’s lawyer Joseph. They argued that James could not be released from custody because that would put him at risk of absconding. Subsequently, Christian Michel James’s lawyer filed a statement in the court that if James was released from custody, he would fully participate in the trial.
Earlier, British citizen Christian Michel James has got bail from the Supreme Court and High Court. Both the courts had imposed the condition of him depositing a bail bond of Rs 5 lakh in each case and surrendering his passport. However, James did not deposit the bail bond and his passport also expired during his detention.
This case is related to the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, in which the CBI had registered a case in 2013. It is alleged that in this deal, the bid was made to the supplier by manipulating many technical parameters like helicopter cabin height, operating range and maximum flight capacity. Besides, there were also allegations of giving more than Rs 200 crore as bribe in the deal. After this the then UPA government canceled this deal. Former Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi is also an accused in this case.
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