James, in his bail plea, had argued before the top court that his detention, deportation, and custody in India were in contravention of the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and that he was already acquitted by courts in Italy on similar charges.Last year in May, the apex court issued a notice in a similar bail application filed by James, while directing the CBI and Directorate of Enforcement to submit their replies.This September, the Delhi HC denied bail to James stating that there were “no new grounds or substantial changes in circumstances warranting reconsideration of his bail. “The accused, if released on bail, could lead to witness tampering and or evidence manipulation in the case,” the HC noted.Senior advocate DP Singh, appearing for the CBI, argued before the HC bench that granting bail to James might “jeopardise integrity of the probe”.“The potential influence on the case remains a crucial point of contention for authorities. Keeping in view his extensive global connections, his tampering is a major issue, if he be enlarged on bail,” he said.
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