The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea filed by Christian Michel, a British national and alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, challenging a Delhi High Court bail condition that required him to provide a local address. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sanjay Kumar, firmly rejected Michel's appeal, upholding the High Court's order.

Michel, who is accused of involvement in the ₹3,600-crore AgustaWestland money laundering case, had contested the Delhi High Court's directive issued in March 2025, which mandated him to furnish a local address as a condition for his release on bail.

During the proceedings, Michel's counsel argued that his client did not possess a local address and was unable to provide one while remaining in custody. Furthermore, the counsel stated that Michel's passport had expired, his wife had divorced him, and the Delhi High Court lacked the authority to issue directives to the British High Commission, a foreign entity.

Justice Nath countered these arguments, stating, "If you can arrange to appear, you can pursue your matter." The bench further questioned why Michel, who had been actively pursuing legal remedies, could not provide an address through family or other contacts. "We granted you bail, and you don't even want to fulfil a condition of providing a local address," Justice Nath remarked.

The Supreme Court bench also expressed its disapproval of Michel's reluctance to comply with the bail condition. "You have a permanent address inside Tihar jail. You stay there only. What to do?" the bench stated, effectively questioning the genuineness of his plea.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating the money laundering aspect of the case, supported the High Court's revised conditions and questioned Michel's hesitation.

The court dismissed the petition, deeming it an "excuse" and reiterating that the bail condition was neither unreasonable nor impractical. The bench declined to interfere with the High Court's order, which also directed the British High Commission to submit Michel's renewed passport directly to the trial court.

Michel was granted bail by the Supreme Court in the CBI case on February 18, 2025, and by the Delhi High Court in the ED case on March 4, 2025. However, he has remained in jail due to non-compliance with the bail conditions, specifically the requirement to provide a local address.

Michel's legal team, including Advocates Aljo Joseph, Sriram Parakkat, and MS Vishnu Shankar, represented him in court. Michel's continued stay in Tihar Jail underscores the importance of fulfilling bail conditions, even when they present logistical challenges. The Supreme Court's decision reaffirms the judiciary's stance on ensuring compliance with such conditions as a prerequisite for release.