Mehul Choksi can be extradited to India, a Belgian Supreme Court declared virtually sealing his escape route.
Reports, citing the court order, said that there are no legal obstacles. Justifying the extradition, the court said that the charges against Choksi are “serious enough to justify i
Reports added that Choksi has 15 days to appeal the decision before the Belgian Supreme Court.
Choksi fled India in 2018.
Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is wanted by Indian authorities in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam where it is alleged that the duo defrauded the bank of more than Rs 14,000 crore.
It confirmed that the offences India mentioned, which includes fraud, forgery, document falsification, and corruption, are considered crimes under Belgian law.
The charges in India are registered under IPC Sections 120B, 201, 409, 420, and 477A, along with the Prevention of Corruption Act. All carry a sentence of more than one year.
The court said Choksi’s role may involve fraud, corruption, forged documents, and being part of a criminal gang. These are considered serious offences in Belgium.
However, it pointed out that one charge (destroying evidence) is not a crime under Belgian law. Extradition, the court said, cannot be granted on that ground alone.
The court noted the alleged offences occurred between December 31, 2016, and January 1, 2019. The statute of limitations has not expired in either India or Belgium.
Choksi claimed he was abducted from Antigua and that he fears political persecution and inhumane treatment in India.
The court rejected this claim. It said there was “no concrete evidence” to support it.
It also dismissed expert reports, international references, and other documents submitted by Choksi. The court said they were not directly relevant and did not show any real or personal risk.
Choksi also argued that India’s judiciary is not independent and media coverage would prevent a fair trial.
The court disagreed. It said these fears were unfounded. It added that public and media interest in such a high-profile case is natural and does not violate his right to a fair trial.
The Indian government told the court that Choksi would be held in Barrack Number 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. The facility includes a 46-square-metre area, two cells, and a private toilet.
India assured Belgium that Choksi would only be taken out of jail for medical needs or court appearances.
Also Read: SEBI Issues Rs 5.35-cr Demand Notice To Mehul Choksi https://www.vibesofindia.com/sebi-issues-rs-5-35-cr-demand-notice-to-fugitive-mehul-choksi/
