Archive · 24 Jul 2026
SC Grants Centre 3 Weeks to Respond to Michel's Plea
Christian Michel James, a British national, is accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam.
He was extradited from Dubai in 2018 and has been in custody since then.
Michel argues that he has already served more than the maximum sentence for the offenses for which he was extradited and should be released.
He challenges the application of the India-UAE Extradition Treaty, which allows prosecution for connected offenses.
The Supreme Court has given the government three weeks to respond to his plea.
The next court date is August 25.
The Supreme Court granted the Centre three weeks to respond to Christian Michel's plea challenging his continued detention.
Michel argues that he has already served more than the maximum sentence for the offenses for which he was extradited.
He challenges the application of the India-UAE Extradition Treaty, which allows prosecution for connected offenses.
The government upholds the treaty provisions and seeks to continue his detention.
The next court date is August 25.
- Who
- Christian Michel James, a British national and alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam.
- What
- The Supreme Court granted the Centre three weeks to respond to Michel's plea challenging his continued detention.
- When
- The next court date is August 25.
- Where
- The case is being heard in the Supreme Court of India.
- Why
- Michel argues that he has already served the maximum sentence for the offenses for which he was extradited and should be released.
Christian Michel's Defense
Government's Position
Extradition Treaty Application
Christian Michel's Defense
Michel argues that the continued application of the India-UAE Extradition Treaty violates the Doctrine of Speciality, as he should not be tried for offenses other than those for which he was extradited.
Government's Position
The government upholds the treaty provisions, arguing that Michel can be prosecuted for connected offenses.
Duration of Detention
Christian Michel's Defense
Michel contends that he has already served more than the maximum sentence for the offenses for which he was extradited and should be released.
Government's Position
The government seeks to continue his detention, arguing that the prosecution for connected offenses justifies his continued incarceration.
- Accused
- Christian Michel James
- Case
- AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam
- Extradition Year
- 2018
- Maximum Sentence Under POC Act
- 5 years
- Time Spent in Custody
- Over 7 years
- Next Court Date
- August 25
- Alleged Loss to Exchequer
- Euro 398.21 million (around Rs 2,666 crore)
- Alleged Amount Received by Michel
- Euro 30 million (approximately Rs 225 crore)