2025 (3) TMI 371 - SCH - Indian Laws

Bail Granted After 6 Years in Custody; SC Warns Petitioner Against Delaying Trial, CBI to Set Conditions

CHRISTIAN JAMES MICHEL Versus CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

The SC granted bail to the petitioner, who had been in custody for over six years since December 2018, with the trial yet to commence despite multiple ... Seeking grant of bail to the petitioner who had been in custody since December 2018, exceeding six years - HELD THAT:- Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and in particular that the petitioner, who was extradited in December, 2018, has been in custody since then, i.e. more than six years by now, and according to the learned senior counsel, appearing for the respondent-CBI, despite filing three charge-sheets and two supplementary charge-sheets, the investigation is still on going, as is also apparent from the counter affidavit, and the fact that the trial has not yet commenced, we are inclined to grant bail to the petitioner on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Trial Court in connection with FIR/RC No.RC-217-2013-A0003 dated 12.03.2013. The CBI will make appropriate request before the Trial Court for imposing necessary conditions before releasing the petitioner on bail. SLP disposed off. The Supreme Court of India, comprising Hon'ble Mr. Justice Vikram Nath and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Mehta, granted bail to the petitioner who had been in custody since December 2018, exceeding six years. Despite multiple charge-sheets filed by the respondent-CBI, the trial had not yet commenced. The Court directed the CBI to request necessary conditions for the petitioner's bail and emphasized the petitioner's cooperation during the trial. If the petitioner causes trial delays, the Court may reconsider the bail order upon request. The Special Leave Petition and related applications were disposed of accordingly.