Alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, Christian Michel James, has moved the Supreme Court challenging his continued detention.

Michel has told the Court that he has already spent more than seven years in custody since his extradition to India in 2018. He argues that this period is equal to the maximum sentence for the offences he was extradited for, and therefore, his continued imprisonment is unlawful.

In his plea, he has also raised concerns about the India–UAE extradition treaty. According to him, the treaty allows his trial only for the specific offences mentioned at the time of extradition, and not for any additional or connected charges.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had rejected his plea for release, observing that his arguments lacked merit.

Notably, Michel has already secured bail in both the CBI and Enforcement Directorate cases. However, he continues to remain in custody as he has not fulfilled the bail conditions imposed by the courts.

The Supreme Court has now considered his plea but has referred the matter to another bench, noting that earlier hearings in the case were conducted by a different bench.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the ₹3,600-crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, in which Michel is accused of acting as a middleman to facilitate kickbacks