AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel is a 'flight risk', denied bail for Easter

A Delhi court on Thursday dismissed the week-long interim bail plea of AgustaWestland accused Christian Michel, who hoped to celebrate Easter with his family members. The court dismissed the plea on the ground that he could tamper with evidence, and was also a flight risk since he had no roots in India.

Michel, through his counsel, filed an interim bail plea last week wherein he requested that in the holy week of Easter — from April 14 to 21 — he be permitted to attend the Easter holy mass.

However, Enforcement Directorate counsel objected to the bail on the ground that Michel is an accused in a grave economic offence. "He has no roots in the society and his past conduct makes it clear that there exists reasonable apprehension of him evading the process of law. Accused also has close links with influential people and there is a likelihood of accused tampering with evidence," stated the counsel.

The ED's counsel added that India is a country of many festivals and thousands of prisoners follow various religions. The accused, therefore, can't be allowed to leave jail to celebrate festivals.

Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar concurred and said, "Thus, considering the overall facts and circumstances, I do not find new ground for admitting the accused to interim bail. The application is dismissed."

Michel's lawyer had argued that since the charge sheet has been filed, there is no point of tampering with evidence. He added that the accused was cooperating in the case. "Being a Christian, even during Christmas, he was not allowed to offer a holy mass."

RELIGIOUS GROUND

• Last week, Michel filed an interim bail plea requesting that in the holy week of Easter — from April 14 to 21 —  he be permitted to attend the Easter holy mass. 
   
• However, EC counsel objected to the bail on the grounds that Michel is an accused in a grave economic offence.