On Monday Delhi High Court has dismissed the application filed by Christian Michel alleged middlemen arrested in connection with the Augusta Westland VVIP Chopper Scam Case, seeking interim bail on the ground of COVID-19 Pandemic.
The single Judge bench of Justice Mukta Gupta said “…it may be noted that the petitioner is lodged in separate cell with only two other prisoners and thus, is not in a Barrack or dormitory where there are number of prisons. It is not the case of the petitioner that any of the two inmates residing with him are suffering from Covid-19 pandemic.”
“Hence, the apprehension of the petitioner also because of the vulnerable age and overcrowding in jail that he is likely to contact COVID-19 which may be detrimental to his health, is unfounded,” Said Justice Mukta Gupta, in the order.
Christian Michel has been charged with Section 420 IPC and Sections 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 3 and 4 of Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Counsel appearing for Michel submitted before the court that Mr. James has a low immunity level and is aged 59 years, however, currently strength of prisoners in Tihar Jail is 10000 whereas presently, around 17000 prisoners are lodged therein that is resulting into overcrowding and social distancing is not being maintained hence, James is very vulnerable to catch COVID-19.
-India Legal Bureau