SC grants bail to accused Christian Michel James in AgustaWestland chopper scam

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to British national Christian Michel James, who has been in jail since 2018 following his arrest for his alleged role in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland case.

A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that James had been in custody for six years while the investigation was still under way.

“The way you are going on right now, you will not be able to conclude the trial in 25 years," the Bench said.

James—who was extradited from Dubai in December 2018 and arrested—would be released on bail, subject to terms and conditions decided by the trial court, the top court said.

The alleged Rs 3,600-crore scam related to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters by the Indian government from AgustaWestland, an Italian company, in 2005. The helicopters were meant for transporting high-ranking officials.

In 2013, allegations surfaced that middlemen, including James, had paid bribes to Indian politicians, defence officials and military officers to secure the contract. He is accused of having entered into several contracts with AgustaWestland to legitimise the illicit commission/kickbacks of 42.27 million euros.

It was alleged that US$33 million was transferred to the UK and the UAE. The CBI launched an investigation, leading to arrests and charges against several prominent figures, including former Indian Air Force chief SP Tyagi.

The Supreme Court had on February 7, 2023 rejected the bail to James, who is being probed by both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. He had challenged a Delhi High Court order denying him bail.