Archive · 24 Nov 2025
Delhi High Court Seeks Responses on Christian Michel's Extradition Challenge
Christian Michel, who is accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter case, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court.
He is challenging the India–UAE extradition treaty, arguing that it cannot override the Indian Extradition Act, 1962.
The court has asked the Central government, CBI, and ED to respond to his petition.
Michel's lawyer says that the treaty is subordinate to the law made by the Indian Parliament.
The petition also argues that new charges against Michel violate a legal principle called the Doctrine of Speciality, which means he can only be tried for the offences for which he was extradited.
Michel's lawyer also claims that he has already served the maximum term of imprisonment for the offences listed in the initial charge sheet and that his continued custody is unlawful.
The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Central government regarding Christian Michel's petition challenging the India–UAE extradition treaty.
Michel argues that the treaty is subordinate to the Indian Extradition Act, 1962, and cannot be used to justify legal proceedings beyond what the legislation permits.
The court has sought responses from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs, the CBI, and the ED.
Michel's petition contends that new charges against him violate the Doctrine of Speciality and the extradition decree issued by the UAE authorities.
Michel's lawyer claims that he has already served the maximum term of imprisonment for the offences listed in the initial charge sheet and that his continued custody is unlawful.
- Who
- Christian Michel, an accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter case, and the Delhi High Court.
- What
- The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Central government regarding a petition filed by Christian Michel challenging the India–UAE extradition treaty.
- When
- The notice was issued on Monday.
- Where
- The case is being heard in the Delhi High Court.
- Why
- Michel is seeking a declaration that the extradition treaty cannot override the Indian Extradition Act, 1962, and is challenging the introduction of new charges that he claims violate the Doctrine of Speciality.
- Petitioner
- Christian Michel
- Case
- AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter case
- Treaty in Question
- India–UAE extradition treaty
- Statute in Question
- Indian Extradition Act, 1962
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Judges
- Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Manoj Jain
- Respondents
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, CBI, ED
- Key Legal Principle
- Doctrine of Speciality
