Delhi HC Rejects Christian Michel's Plea Challenging India-UAE Extradition Treaty

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The Delhi High Court has dismissed Christian James Michel's petition challenging the India-UAE extradition treaty. The treaty, signed in 1999, allows India to prosecute individuals extradited from the UAE for connected offenses in addition to those for which extradition was granted. In a ruling on Monday, the court said it had no authority to declare the treaty ultra vires since it was not a law enacted by Parliament. Michel, the middleman in the VVIP chopper deal, is currently in prison despite being granted bail in two cases. Michel's lawyer had argued that the invocation of section 467 of the IPC, which carries a life imprisonment, was illegal and contrary to the Extradition Act. However, the court suggested that Michel withdraw the petition and file a fresh one, as he had not challenged any court order or proceedings. The court's decision is a setback for Michel, who has been accused of serious offenses carrying a punishment up to life imprisonment. He remains in prison despite being granted bail in two cases, as the trial court refused to release him in August citing the severity of the charges against him. The extradition treaty, which permits the prosecution of extradited individuals for connected offenses, has been at the center of Michel's petition. The treaty has been in place since 1999, and the court's ruling has upheld its validity.