In a recent development, fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi has lodged a new plea with the Belgian Court of Appeal, challenging India’s ongoing extradition efforts and alleging serious procedural flaws by the Belgian authorities. Choksi, a key figure in the infamous ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, claims that his fundamental rights were compromised during his arrest in Belgium.
According to news agency ANI, the plea was drafted by Advocate Vijay Aggarwal and submitted through Choksi’s legal team in Belgium. It contends that the Belgian officials involved in his arrest bypassed essential legal protocols, thus breaching the principles of natural justice. Choksi has requested the court to order his immediate release, emphasizing that the process was both arbitrary and unlawful.
Despite these arguments, the Belgian Court of Appeal has recently denied Choksi’s bail application and adjourned the hearing concerning his petition against the arrest. This decision follows closely on the heels of his rejected bail plea, signaling ongoing legal challenges for the diamond tycoon.
Mehul Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are accused of orchestrating a large-scale financial scam involving fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) used to secure overseas loans under false pretenses, significantly impacting Indian banks.
Choksi’s attorney, Vijay Aggarwal, expressed his dissatisfaction with the latest court rulings but noted the flexibility of Belgian law regarding bail applications. “Unfortunately, my client has been denied bail today. However, in Belgium, we can apply for bail as many times as needed,” Aggarwal told ANI. He added that they plan to file another bail plea soon, based on fresh grounds and previous court observations.
The legal strategy to combat Choksi’s extradition centers on the alleged political motivations behind the case and concerns regarding Choksi’s health and the adequacy of medical treatment available in India. Aggarwal highlighted that Choksi had previously cooperated with Indian investigative agencies and had proposed participating in inquiries via video conferencing due to his health issues.
