Delhi High Court reserves verdict in AgustaWestland accused's plea for quashing non-bailable warrant against him
The AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case concerns a 2010 agreement between the Indian government and AgustaWestland, a British-Italian helicopter design and manufacturing company, for the purchase of 12 helicopters meant for VVIP transport. The contract deal was allegedly riddled with corruption, involving kickbacks and bribes to Indian officials to secure it.
Gupta had allegedly created an offshore corporate structure to launder the proceeds of crime generated by a co-accused in the case, who also reportedly received the same as kickbacks. According to the ED, Gupta received proceeds of crime amounting to approximately Rs 28.69 crore. He allegedly left the country in 2019 and has failed to join the probe despite multiple summons and warrants. A trial court issued a non-bailable warrant against him on August 31, 2020. The ED made Gupta an accused in the case in February 2022 in a supplementary chargesheet.
Before the court of Justice Neena Bansal, senior advocate Vikas Pahwa, appearing for Gupta, informed the court that Gupta cannot participate in the probe physically but is available to join online. It was also submitted that a fresh application has been filed seeking permission to appear virtually.
According to a press release by the ED, after Pahwa sought an adjournment, Justice Krishna noted that the matter had previously been argued by both parties on two occasions, after which Pahwa requested an adjournment. The court observed that such conduct is 'unbecoming of a senior advocate' and reserved the matter for verdict.
In May, hearing an application moved by Christian Michel James, an accused and alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal of Rouse Avenue Court said that it was 'sad to see that the trial has not started in seven years'. (https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/trial-not-started-7-years-judge-agustawestland-middleman-christian-michel-james-10038001/)
James, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2018 and has been in Tihar jail for close to seven years, had moved an application earlier requesting adequate security measures in prison, alleging that his tea was being poisoned and that there were threats to his life.
—-
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Standard
7 minutes ago
- Business Standard
RSB Group Celebrates 3rd Edition of EK Pahal Annual Day - Championing Purpose-Driven Change Through Collective Action
NewsVoir Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) [India], July 28: EK Pahal, the brainchild of Ms. Nirmala Behera was launched three years ago and has since grown into a transformative movement within RSB. Built on four pillars - Health & Hygiene, Learning & Development, Safety, and Community Service - the initiative has empowered employees to drive meaningful impact both within the organization and in the communities they serve. The evening featured inspiring speeches by esteemed guests and leaders along with vibrant performances by employees, reflecting creativity, emotion, and strong storytelling. The EK Pahal Annual Day not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for future impact, with the announcement of newly elected pillar leaders inspired to take the baton forward. With every edition, RSB reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive and purpose-driven workplace culture -- where every step counts, and every dream matters. Nirmala Behera, Executive Director, Group HR, RSB Group expressed heartfelt gratitude and pride in the collective efforts of the teams, "This year's theme is a reminder of how a single step can ignite a chain of dreams. What began as a small internal initiative has today become a powerful testimony of passion, purpose, and progress." The efforts and dedication of all pillar leaders were applauded for their passion, innovation, and collaborative spirit, which shaped the year's success. Their collective contributions brought each pillar to life, creating a meaningful impact across the organization and the community. Special recognition was extended to Bindiya Khandka and Monika Paira from the Community Service Initiative Pillar for their exceptional work, and other pillar leaders Sunita Bhattamishra, Arundhati Pandey and Bhawna Joshi were also recognised for their remarkable contribution. Addressing the audience Dr. Poornima Dore, Economist, Author, and Impact Leader and Founder & CEO-Dorian Scale, said "Staying in the game is the biggest challenge--and the biggest strength. As India's next wave of growth emerges from Tier 2 and 3 cities, women must believe in themselves, support one another, and stay in the game to lead this change. She also emphasised three important aspects for any woman to succeed - Access to Skill, Technology and Finance." Purnima Mahato, Padma Shri Awardee & Indian Archery Legend, said, "Pursuing a career in sports, especially in a male-dominated field, was never easy. But with focus and inner strength, women can overcome challenges, lead by example, and succeed. Be your own role model and keep going." Kumari Swarnalata Dalai, Youngest Female Mountaineer from Odisha to Summit Everest, said, "From a small town in Odisha to the peak of Mount Everest, my journey was all about finding purpose through struggle. I faced many challenges, but I kept dreaming--and that made all the difference. Until we dream, we cannot succeed. Struggles will always be part of the climb." "As we move forward, let us continue to dream big, work harder, and reach farther. May EK Pahal continue to grow in strength, scale, and soul -- becoming a model for many to follow," concludes Nirmala Behera. RSB Global is a leading global engineering company specialising in designing and manufacturing aggregates and systems for the automotive, construction, and off-highway equipment sectors. Founded in 1973, RSB has grown into a trusted partner for global OEMs and continues to expand its global presence with 16 manufacturing facilities across India and Mexico. The company is driven by a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Mint
7 minutes ago
- Mint
Nimisha Priya's 13-year-old daughter and husband appeal to Yemeni government for release of Indian nurse
Indian nurse Nimisha Priya's 13-year-old daughter, Mishel, and her husband have appealed to the Yemeni government for the woman's release. Priya was sentenced to death in Yemen. Mishel has travelled to Yemen to join Global Peace Initiative founder and evangelist Dr KA Paul in appealing to the Yemeni government for Priya's release. Priya, originally from the Palakkad district of Kerala, was convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. She was sentenced to death in 2020, and her final appeal was rejected in 2023. According to Yemeni court documents, Priya, in July 2017, allegedly drugged and killed Mahdi. She is currently lodged in a prison in Yemen's capital, Sanaa. Earlier this month, India had said that it was in touch with Yemeni authorities as well as certain friendly nations as part of efforts to reach a 'mutually agreeable solution' in the case relating to Priya. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government was making concerted efforts to give Priya's family more time to reach an understanding with Talal Abdo Mahdi's family. The MEA had appointed a lawyer to assist Priya's family in navigating the complex legal process in Yemen. This includes exploring options for clemency or pardon under Sharia law. Under Sharia law, payment of blood money to the family of the deceased is permissible. 'This is a very sensitive matter, and the government of India has been offering all possible assistance in the case. We have provided legal assistance and also appointed a lawyer to assist the family. We have also arranged for regular consular visits by her family, and we are in touch with the local authorities, as well as the family members, to resolve this issue. This included concerted efforts in the recent few days to seek more time for the family of Ms Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party. The local authorities in Yemen have postponed carrying out her sentence that was scheduled for 16 July,' said Jaiswal. Last week, evangelist and Founder of Global Peace Initiative Dr KA Paul claimed in a video message from Sanaa in Yemen that Nimisha Priya's death sentence has been cancelled after days and nights of extensive efforts by Yemeni and Indian leaders. In the video message, Dr Paul thanked Yemeni leaders for their 'powerful and prayerful efforts'. He said: 'I want to thank all the leaders who are involved in making this a great success, that Nimisha Priya's death is cancelled. By God's grace, she will be released and taken to India. I want to thank Prime Minister Modi ji for preparing to send your diplomats... and take Nimisha professionally, safely.'
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
7 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Union Bank of India puts 10 Future Group brands on block to recover dues
Public sector lender Union Bank of India has put on the block 10 brands of Future Brands Ltd, part of Kishore Biyani's Future Group, for recovery of dues. Brands being auctioned include BARE, HAUTE N SPICY, and STUDIO NYX, with the reserve price set at Rs 230 crore. The auction of secured assets is slated for the middle of August. The dues cover secured debt estimated at over Rs 181 crore, plus interest, costs, and other charges, according to the auction notice. The auction is being conducted under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act (SARFAESI), which enables banks and financial institutions to recover non-performing assets (NPAs). A senior bank executive said the lender has an exclusive first charge on the brands. The bank wants to explore the value of these brands, which are intangible assets. The account became an NPA in early 2022, and provisions have been made in line with regulatory norms. Future Brands, a Mumbai-based entity incorporated in 2006, is a brand and intellectual property rights company focused on creating, developing, managing, nurturing, and acquiring brands. In June 2024, Acuite downgraded Future Brands Ltd's long-term rating from 'B+' to 'D'. The downgrade was based on banker feedback indicating the account's categorisation as an NPA. The rating continues to be flagged as 'Issuer Not-Cooperating' and is based on the best available information. Highlighting weaknesses associated with the entity, the rating agency noted that servicing obligations were dependent on timely refinancing or infusion of funds by the promoters, and pointed to a moderate financial risk profile. Besides licensing, FBL has advised global and Indian companies such as Colgate-Palmolive, Eicher Motors, and Tata Motors on conceptual and operational brand challenges, offering insights and knowledge-based brand solutions. In 2020, FBL held the licences to 40 brands, including John Miller, BARE, DJ&C, Fresh & Pure, Lombard, Srishti, IQIP, Knighthood, KORYO, and Rig, across fashion, electronics, and FMCG formats.
