By: The Trek News Desk
In a major legal blow to fugitive diamond tycoon Mehul Choksi, a Belgian court has rejected his arguments against extradition to India, calling them “irrelevant” and “unconvincing.” The ruling paves the way for his possible return to India, where he is a key accused in the infamous ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case.
Choksi, who was arrested in Antwerp on April 11 following an extradition request by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), now has 15 days to appeal the preliminary judgment before the Belgian Supreme Court, according to official sources.
Arrested in Belgium, Held in Antwerp Jail
Mehul Choksi was apprehended earlier this year in Belgium’s port city of Antwerp based on a formal extradition request by the Indian government. He has remained in judicial custody since his arrest.
In his defence, Choksi raised multiple concerns, ranging from human rights violations to claims of political persecution and fears over his medical treatment in Indian prisons. However, the Belgian court found no legal merit in his objections.
Court Rejects Claims of Political Trial and Unfair Judiciary
Choksi had argued that extraditing him to India would violate his right to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He cited reports from NGOs questioning the independence of India’s judiciary, and further claimed he would be subject to a politically motivated prosecution.
The Belgian court, however, was unconvinced. “The defendant provided no substantial evidence to support the allegation that India’s judiciary lacks independence or that he would be denied a fair trial,” the court noted in its October 17 order. It added, “The claim of a political trial remains entirely unsubstantiated.”
Offences Not Protected from Extradition
The court further ruled that the charges against Choksi, bank fraud and criminal conspiracy, do not fall under protected categories like political, military, or fiscal offences, which would have made him ineligible for extradition under international law.
“There is no indication that the extradition request was made with the intent to persecute or discriminate based on race, religion, nationality, or political opinion,” the court stated.
Health Concerns Also Rejected
Choksi also argued that his physical and mental health would deteriorate in Indian prisons, claiming a lack of adequate medical care. The court dismissed this concern, stating that Choksi failed to provide evidence to support such a claim.
The Indian government, in anticipation of such arguments, had submitted a formal letter of assurance to Belgian authorities on September 4, detailing the conditions of Choksi’s incarceration and the safeguards to be followed if he were extradited.
PNB Scam: A Case of International Interest
Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are the prime accused in India’s largest banking fraud, allegedly siphoning off over ₹13,000 crore from Punjab National Bank using fraudulent Letters of Undertaking in collusion with bank officials at the Brady House branch in Mumbai.
While Modi remains in UK custody fighting his own extradition, Choksi had fled to Antigua and then surfaced in Europe earlier this year, leading to his arrest.
What’s Next?
Choksi’s legal team now has 15 days to challenge the ruling before Belgium’s Supreme Court. If the apex court upholds the lower court’s order, Choksi’s extradition to India becomes a near certainty.
The Indian government, meanwhile, continues to press for his swift return, signalling that justice in the PNB fraud case remains a top diplomatic and legal priority.
Source: News Agencies
