New Delhi, 09 December (Daily Kiran) – Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has faced a major legal setback as Belgium’s Supreme Court has rejected his appeal against extradition to India. Choksi, a key accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, had challenged the decision to extradite him, but the Court of Cassation, Belgium’s highest court, dismissed his plea. Officials have said this ruling strengthens India’s chances of bringing Choksi back soon.
The Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s decision. Belgian court official Henry Vanderlinden informed that the Court of Cassation upheld the validity of the Court of Appeal’s ruling. Earlier, the Antwerp Court of Appeal had approved India’s extradition request, deeming it legally enforceable.
On 29 November 2024, the Pre-Trial Chamber had also validated India’s arrest warrants issued in 2018 and 2021. Following this legal confirmation, the path to extradite Choksi was almost clear, and the Supreme Court’s final decision now cements this outcome.
India’s arguments were accepted, while claims of ‘political persecution’ were rejected. During the extradition process, Indian agencies provided the Belgian court with detailed information and images of the facilities at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail. India assured that Choksi would be treated in accordance with all human rights standards and would receive a fair judicial process.
Choksi had claimed political persecution and inhumane treatment risk in India, but the court noted that no concrete evidence supported these allegations. Therefore, there is no legal basis to deny his extradition.
It is noteworthy that Choksi, wanted in the alleged ₹13,000 crore PNB fraud, is considered a significant extradition success for India. Following this court ruling, the Indian government and investigative agencies are expected to accelerate formal preparations to bring him back to the country.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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