A Belgian court in Antwerp has announced a verdict that there is “no legal obstacle” to sending fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi back to India. The decision marks a major breakthrough in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, where Choksi is accused of defrauding the bank of ₹13,500 crore.
Major Verdict on Mehul Choksi Extradition
On October 17, the Antwerp court approved Choksi’s extradition after upholding the legality of his arrest in April 2024 by Belgian authorities. The court stated that Choksi is not a Belgian citizen, but a foreign national facing serious charges that justify his extradition to India.
Charges Valid Under Belgian and Indian Law
According to the court order, the offences mentioned by India fraud, forgery, falsification of documents, and corruption are also considered criminal acts under Belgian law. The Indian charges fall under Sections 120B, 201, 409, 420, and 477A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, all carrying imprisonment of over one year.
The court also noted that these actions correspond to Articles 66, 196, 197, 213, 240–247, and 496 of the Belgian Criminal Code, which cover crimes like gang activity, fraud, and use of forged documents. However, it excluded the Indian charge under IPC Section 201 (destruction of evidence), saying it is not a crime under Belgian law.
No Expiry of Legal Time Limit
The ruling stated that the alleged crimes occurred between December 31, 2016, and January 1, 2019. It clarified that the statute of limitations had not expired in either India or Belgium, allowing the extradition to proceed.
Court Rejects Choksi’s Claims of Persecution
Choksi argued that he was abducted from Antigua and faced political persecution and inhumane treatment if returned to India. But the court found no evidence to support his claims. It also dismissed concerns over India’s judiciary or media influence, saying public interest in a high-profile fraud case is normal and does not violate his right to a fair trial.
India’s Assurance on Jail Conditions
The Indian government informed the court that Choksi would be kept in Barrack No. 12 of Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, which has a 46-square-metre area, two cells, and a private toilet.
He will only be allowed to leave the cell for medical reasons or court appearances.
The court said that Choksi’s defense including expert opinions and documents did not prove any personal risk or violation of human rights if extradited.
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