Court modifies bail conditions for Michel in Agusta case

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Tuesday modified two bail conditions imposed on Christian Michel James in the alleged AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case, granting him partial relief while retaining strict safeguards to ensure he "does not leave the country".The order was passed on a plea filed by Michel seeking release and modification of bail conditions in a case being investigated by CBI.Special judge Sanjay Goyal noted that Michel has spent "seven years in custody" since his arrest and proceedings are still at an initial stage, with charges yet to be framed. The court took note that bail conditions had been modified by HC in a connected ED case, noting that granting similar relief in present matter "would not prejudice the prosecution".Michel's counsel Alijo K Joseph argued he was extradited only for offences under Sections 120B, 415 and 420 IPC, which carry a maximum sentence of seven years, making him entitled to mandatory release under Section 436A of CrPC.However, the court pointed out that Michel had repeatedly raised the issue of release before different courts, with one such plea presently pending before the high court. In view of this, it observed that the issue of release "cannot be agitated again before this court".Granting limited relief, the court allowed Michel to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh along with a cash surety of Rs 5 lakh instead of a surety bond.