The Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed the bail plea filed by Christian Michel James in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday. James, an accused in the money laundering case related to the alleged Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter scam, has filed a bail petition.
The defence lawyer, arguing for James, told the court that the possibility of the commencement of the trial shortly is unlikely. “Even if James is convicted, he will be sentenced to a maximum of seven years in prison, and he has already spent six years in custody,” the lawyer said.
However, the ED lawyer opposed this, contending that James is a flight risk and that bail should be denied due to the seriousness of the allegations against him.
Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma of the Delhi High Court fixed the next hearing on January 10 for further deliberations. The court rejected the accused Christian Michel James’ plea in the CBI case. The Enforcement Directorate case is related to money laundering allegations in alleged bribery paid during the helicopter deal. The case is under intense scrutiny due to its high-profile nature and international connections. It has drawn public interest due to the prominent people implicated in it.
The British citizen Christian Michel James was arrested in Dubai in 2015 following the issuance of a non-bailable warrant and subsequent Red Corner Notice. He was extradited to India on December 4, 2018.
Earlier, the trial court highlighted that Michel had not voluntarily appeared before the court or shown any cooperation in the investigation and judicial process. The trial court also pointed out the risk of absconding. Therefore, he could not claim parity in bail with other accused persons who have been granted bail.
The Supreme Court also rejected the bail plea of Michel in the past in cases registered by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate.
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