Court Deliberates on Bail Terms for AgustaWestland Scandal Middleman

The Delhi High Court seeks the Enforcement Directorate's response on Christian Michel James' plea to modify bail conditions in the AgustaWestland case. James argues for waiving the Rs 5 lakh surety requirement and passport surrender due to lacking Indian ties and expired passport, highlighting prolonged detention without trial commencement.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday requested a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding a petition by Christian Michel James, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland money laundering case. The plea seeks modification of bail conditions imposed on James.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice to the ED as James challenges the requirement to provide a surety of Rs 5 lakh, citing his status as a foreign national without Indian connections. He also questions the condition of surrendering his expired passport, given the lengthy process for renewal.

James, previously granted bail by the Supreme Court in a CBI case, highlights his prolonged detention exceeding six years without trial commencement, asserting that this violates his right to a speedy trial under Article 21. The court will hear the matter on April 22.

(With inputs from agencies.)