Antwerp/New Delhi, October 22: In a major breakthrough for Indian authorities, a Belgian court in Antwerp has ruled that there is “no legal obstacle” to the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, wanted in the ₹13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, to India.
Delivering its verdict on October 17, the court approved India’s extradition request and upheld the legality of Choksi’s arrest by Belgian authorities in April, marking a significant advancement in New Delhi’s ongoing efforts to bring the absconding businessman to justice.
The court observed that Choksi, who is not a Belgian citizen but a foreign national, faces serious charges that fully justify his extradition. According to the ruling, the offences cited by Indian authorities — including criminal conspiracy, cheating, breach of trust, forgery, document falsification, and corruption — are also recognised as crimes under Belgian law.
The order noted that the Indian cases against Choksi correspond to Sections 120B, 201, 409, 420, and 477A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, each carrying imprisonment exceeding one year. These offences align with Articles 66, 196, 197, 213, 240, 241, 245, 246, 247, and 496 of the Belgian Criminal Code, which cover fraud, corruption, and the use of forged documents.
However, the court excluded one specific Indian charge — destruction of evidence (IPC Section 201) — from the extradition order, as it is not recognised as a criminal offence under Belgian law.
The court also clarified that the alleged crimes occurred between December 31, 2016, and January 1, 2019, and that the statute of limitations remained valid in both India and Belgium.
Court Rejects Choksi’s Claims of Political Persecution
During the proceedings, Choksi argued that he was abducted from Antigua, where he had obtained citizenship, and faced threats of political persecution and inhumane treatment if extradited to India. The court, however, dismissed these claims, citing a lack of credible evidence.
Relying on information provided by the Indian government, the court recorded that Choksi would be lodged in Barrack No. 12 of Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, which includes a 46-square-metre area with two cells and a private toilet. Indian authorities also assured that he would be taken out only for medical purposes or court appearances.
The bench noted that Choksi’s defence — including expert testimonies, international reports, and other documents — did not establish any substantial personal risk. His assertions that India’s judiciary lacked independence or that media coverage would prevent a fair trial were also rejected.
The court held that public and media interest in a high-profile financial fraud case was “natural” and did not infringe upon the accused’s right to a fair trial.
A Major Step Toward Justice
The ruling represents a key diplomatic and legal victory for India in its long-standing pursuit of Mehul Choksi, who fled the country in 2018 following revelations of the massive loan fraud involving Punjab National Bank.
With this decision, Belgium has become the latest jurisdiction to support India’s extradition efforts, strengthening New Delhi’s global campaign to bring fugitive economic offenders to trial.
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