The Supreme Court on Monday, May 4, 2026, sought the Central government's response to a petition filed by Christian Michel James, the accused middleman in the ₹3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter procurement case, challenging his continued detention. Michel, who was extradited from the UAE in 2018, argued that he has already served the maximum sentence for the offences forming the basis of his extradition.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued formal notice to the Centre, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), requiring them to file their replies within four weeks. Michel's legal team contended that his prolonged custody violates the terms of his extradition and fundamental rights under the Constitution.

The court's move marks the latest legal development in a case that has drawn sustained scrutiny over corruption allegations in defence procurement. The matter will be taken up again after the four-week deadline for the agencies to submit their responses.