Delhi Court Orders Jail Authorities To Allow Christian James To Renew His Passport To Fulfil Bail Conditions

The Rouse Avenue Court on Tuesday directed jail authorities to allow Christian Michel James, an accused in the Augusta Westland VVIP chopper deal case, to apply for a passport to meet his bail conditions.

Passport Requirement For Bail

Michel James informed Special CBI Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal that his passport had expired and that he would need at least 2 months to apply for and obtain a new one. As part of his bail conditions, he is required to surrender his passport to the court authorities.

On March 7, the court had granted him bail, directing him to furnish a bond of Rs.5 lakh with one surety of the same amount. Since his passport had already expired, the court ordered him to apply for a new passport through the British High Commission following the prescribed regulations.

Concerns Over Safety & Conduct Report Request

During the March 7 hearing, Michel James raised concerns about his safety outside jail, stating that he preferred to remain in custody for protection.

When asked by the Special CBI judge whether he was ready to furnish his bail bond, Michel responded, “There are some issues.”

Additionally, Michel has submitted another application requesting the Jail Superintendent to provide his Conduct Report, covering his incarceration period from January 2019 to the present. The report, which details his behavior in custody, is crucial for determining his eligibility for remission.

Extradition & Legal Proceedings

Christian Michel James was extradited from Dubai in December 2018 and has remained in judicial custody in India since then. However, he has recently been granted bail and is set to be released soon.

The Supreme Court granted him bail in the CBI case, while the Delhi High Court granted bail in the money laundering case linked to the VIP chopper deal.

Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal framed the conditions for his release as per the apex court’s order. Michel was represented by Advocate Aljo K Joseph.