BELGIUM TELLS MEHUL CHOKSI GO BACK TO INDIA, HE APPEALS TO HIGHER COURT

MAJOR BOOST FOR INDIA’S TRYST TO BRING BACK MEHUL CHOKSI

• In a major boost to the efforts to bring back fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, a court in Antwerp, Belgium rejected his appeal against extradition, bringing India closer to secure his return.
• The Belgian court ruled that there is “no obstacle” in sending the fugitive diamond trader and Punjab National Bank scam accused back to India.
• The ruling represents a major development in India’s long-running efforts to secure his return in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

MEHUL MAY NOT RETURN TO INDIA IMMEDIATELY

• While granting the extradition request, the Antwerp court clarified that Choksi would not immediately sent back, as he has the right to appeal before a higher court.
• Choksi was arrested by Antwerp police on April 11, 2025, following a formal request Indian authorities.
• Since his detention, he has remained lodged in a Belgian prison, with multiple bail pleas rejected on the grounds of flight risk.
• The court’s decision now places the focus on India’s reassurances regarding his detention conditions and fair trial once extradited.

WHAT WILL BE THE ACTIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS?

• Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affiars (MHA) had furnished a comprehensive letter of assurance to the Kingdom of Belgium’s Ministry of Justice and its judicial authorities.
• The document detailed the specific material, medical, and procedural safeguards that would govern Choksi’s custody in India to address human rights concerns raised during the extradition proceedings.
• According to the MHA, Choksi would be detained in Barrack No. 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, a section reserved for non-violent and white-collar offenders.
• The facility is equipped with a range of safeguards, including adequate personal space, ventilated cells, 24x7 medical care, attached sanitation facilities, and CCTV monitoring.
• Detainees are given three meals per day, access to exercise yards, recreation, and legal consultations.
• The Indian government has also assured that Choksi’s medical needs will be fully taken care of, with provisions for specialized care and treatment at Sir J J Group of Hospitals, located nearby.
• Oversight mechanisms including the National and State Human Rights Commissions (NHRC/SHRC), along with judicial supervision, have been emphasized to make sure of transparency and compliance with international standards.
• Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of orchestrating one of India’s largest banking frauds, involving fraudulent letters of undertaking that defrauded Punjab National Bank of over Rs 13,000 crore. Both face multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1998.

Editor’s Note

• The Antwerp court’s ruling marks a watershed moment in India’s long and complex pursuit of economic fugitives who have evaded justice under the guise of foreign refuge. Mehul Choksi’s failed bid to block extradition reaffirms that global jurisdictions are increasingly aligning with India’s call for accountability in financial crimes of this magnitude. While his appeal to a higher court may delay the inevitable, the message is clear — borders can no longer shield the corrupt. This case is more than a legal victory; it’s a test of India’s credibility in ensuring fair, transparent, and humane treatment of those it seeks to bring back. As the world watches, the onus now lies on India to uphold its assurances of due process and human rights. Justice, in this instance, must not only be done but must be seen to be done — for the ₹13,000 crore PNB fraud victims and for the integrity of India’s financial system.

Keywords

• #mehulchoksi #pnbscam #extradition #belgiumcourt