Big win for India: Dubai court finds merit in Christian Michel extradition case

In a massive development in the AgustaWestland case, Dubai court has agreed to extradite middleman, Christian Michel. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), however, maintains that they haven't received any official communication as yet. But top sources indicate that they have received information through unofficial channels. 

Republic TV is the only Indian channel which is in possession of the four page judgment. The three judge bench has rejected Christian Michel's claim that he is a political scapegoat and would be subjected to inhuman treatment if he is extradited to India. "In clause 10, accused claims that he would be treated inhumanly if sent to India. This is rejected since there is no aim on the part of the authorities to ill treat him," reads the order. 

What clearly appears from the order copy accessed by Republic TV is that the Dubai court is satisfied with the evidence provided by Indian investigative agencies. "There is no reason for the court to refuse the extradition procedure. No other crime committed that he should be held here. A crime has been committed in the applicants country." 

This is undoubtedly a big win for the investigative agencies. The court has observed, "The conditions required to fulfil the subject of the application has been complied with. The agreement rules either in its formal / subjective condition has been fulfilled and proven." 

Top sources within CBI have always maintained that UAE has expressed satisfaction after the evidence was handed over to the public prosecutor. Christian Michel's legal counsel had argued that he has already been imprisoned for more than equivalent of the punishment and hence could not be held accountable again for the same crime.

To which the court responded, "Based on Article 423, this has been rejected." 

What is not clear at this point in time is whether Christian Michel will be allowed to appeal against this order before a higher authority. "The case has been heard by the court in Dubai. There is no room for appeal. Now the Indian authorities need to execute the order," said Dubai-based lawyer Anjana Bhatia who handles Interpol cases.