New Delhi, Aug. 8 -- The Rouse Avenue Court has rejected the request of Christian Michel James for releasing him from custody in the VVIP chopper deal case. He had prayed for his release on the ground that he had undergone the maximum punishment of seven years.

Special judge Sanjay Jindal rejected the prayer on Thursday after considering the submissions of CBI, ED and counsel for James.

"The request of the accused Christian Michel James for his release u/sec. 436A CrPC stands declined," the Special Judge ordered today.

The court said that it is clear that the issues raised by the accused Christian Michel James now, including the issue of his release under sec. 436A CrPC have already been considered by this court, by the High Court and ...