New Delhi, 20 December (H.S.): The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) while hearing a plea filed by Christian Michel, an accused in the ₹3,600-crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal scam, seeking his release from custody.

Special Judge Sanjay Jindal directed that the matter be listed for further hearing on December 22. The case concerns alleged irregularities in the procurement of 12 luxury helicopters from AgustaWestland, meant for use by top Indian dignitaries.

According to the CBI’s supplementary chargesheet, 13 individuals have been named as accused in the case, including Christian Michel, Rajiv Saxena, G. Saponaro (Director, AgustaWestland International), and Sandeep Tyagi, a relative of former IAF Chief S. P. Tyagi.

During the hearing, Michel’s counsel argued that his client had already undergone the maximum possible period of imprisonment in connection with both the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases. The lawyer told the court that despite the case being under investigation for the past 12 years, the probe has not yet concluded, while Michel has remained in jail for over seven years.

When the court inquired under what conditions Michel sought release, his counsel responded that it was the court’s duty to ensure that no person remains incarcerated beyond the maximum sentence applicable under law. The defence added that Michel would participate fully in the trial upon release.

Michel has already been granted bail in both the CBI and ED cases linked to the AgustaWestland scam.

On March 4, 2025, the Delhi High Court granted him bail in the money laundering case registered by the ED. The Supreme Court of India had earlier extended bail to him in the CBI case as well.

However, Michel could not furnish the bail bond, as his passport had expired during his detention.The AgustaWestland deal pertains to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters, a contract worth approximately ₹3,600 crore, signed to equip the Indian Air Force’s communication squadron.

As per the CBI, Michel allegedly received portions of bribe money both before and after 2010 as part of the kickback arrangement in the deal.Christian Michel, a British national, was extradited from Dubai to India on December 4, 2018, following an international investigation.

Subsequently, on September 19, 2020, the CBI filed a supplementary chargesheet, which was formally taken on record by the court on October 23, 2020.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar