The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday argued that Christian Michel James cannot be and should not be released without pleading guilty after framing of charges. British National James seeking release from custody on the ground that he has spent a period in custody equivalent to a maximum punishment of 7 years.

He is on bail in both the CBI and ED's Money laundering case, but still in custody due to non-filing of the bail bond. He has to surrender his passport to the court, which has already expired. James was extradited to India on December 4, 2018 and was arrested by the CBI. Thereafter, he was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case.

Special CBI Judge Sanjay Jindal heard the arguments on the application moved by Christian Michel James. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Senior Advocate D P Singh, along with Manu Mishra, argued that James shouldn't be granted release from jail just because he has undergone a period of 7 years in custody.