Delhi, 29 May (H.S.): The Supreme Court rejected British national Christian Michel's plea to eliminate the requirement for a local address for bail in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case. Justices Vikram Nath and PV Sanjay Kumar emphasized that bail conditions must be fulfilled, stating that arrangements for stay in India are necessary.

The Court also dismissed Michel's appeal regarding the Delhi High Court's directive for the British High Commission to submit his passport to the trial court. The High Court previously modified Michel's bail conditions to expedite his release.

The High Court ruled that the British High Commission in Delhi must send Michel's new passport directly to the trial court rather than to him. Michel challenged this in the Supreme Court, arguing the High Court exceeded its authority by directing a foreign government entity. He also contested the requirement to provide a local address. The Supreme Court dismissed his plea.

Michel faces accusations of facilitating AgustaWestland's helicopter contract with the Indian government, allegedly receiving €42.27 million in kickbacks. He was extradited in December 2018 and has been in jail for six years without trial.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar